Propagation and Scattering of EM Waves

The Propagation and Scattering of electromagnetic (EM) waves course provides an overview of the essential aspects of the physical layer for a wide range of applications that rely on electromagnetic waves for the information transmission and sensing (wireless communications, radar, and navigation). Both the propagation medium and environment change the characteristics of the electromagnetic waves and affects the quality of the wireless link. The course focuses on physical models of propagation and scattering phenomena with emphasis on practical estimations of these effects influence on operation and design of telecommunication systems.

The following aspects will be covered in the course:

* Overview of the radio spectrum, services, and frequency allocation, propagation/scattering environment, frequency band designation for EM waves

* Characterization of propagation media

* Antenna and noise concepts

* EM waves interaction with material objects

* EM wave scattering on an ensemble of discrete particles

* EM wave scattering on a rough surface

* EM wave scattering on a complex and distributed objects, the concept of radar cross-section as a characteristic observed with radar objects,

* Direct transmission,

* Power balance for communication and radar systems in cases of direct transmission, atmospheric gas attenuation, signal attenuation, and scattering in rain

* Refraction - wave propagation through a stratified medium

* Propagation near the Earth's surface

* Diffraction on terrain, Fresnel zones, propagation over a plane/spherical Earth, practical propagation path analysis

* Empirical Path Loss Models

* Models of fading effects

* Ionospheric propagation/scattering of electromagnetic waves

Disclaimer: the actual information related to this course content, education methods, and assessment may slightly change depending on the further development of the course and will be updated during the first lecture.