Far Infrared and Submillimeter Scattering

II. Attenuation by Clouds and Rain

Diran Deirmendjian

ResearchPublished 1975

Second of a two-part study designed to assist the Air Force in the choice of possible new target acquisition and communication systems in the far infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. It provides reliable estimates of the attenuation of radiation at such wavelengths through various types of water clouds as well as moderate and heavy rain. The attenuation properties of hydrometeors are of prime interest. In particular, the use of some new cloud- and raindrop-size distribution models that were developed for this study is described and justified. Attenuation computations for these models are presented, and these estimates are then analyzed and compared with other work and with observation. Results imply that interference with current tactical air operations by clouds and fog can be substantially reduced if target acquisition and munitions guidance systems that operate at frequencies near 230 GHz can be developed. (See also R-1486, R-1335, R-456.)

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1975
  • Pages: 44
  • Document Number: R-1718-PR

Citation

Chicago Manual of Style

Deirmendjian, Diran, Far Infrared and Submillimeter Scattering: II. Attenuation by Clouds and Rain. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1975. https://www.rand.org/pubs/reports/R1718.html.
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