Radiowave propagation in the 30-60 GHz band

Briefly describes some of the major atmospheric influences on the propagation of radiowaves in the frequency range 30 to 60 GHz, which arise from molecules of oxygen and water vapour, and from the presence of hydrometeors, especially precipitation in the form of rain. Some of the work on rainfall attenuation currently being carried out by the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory has illustrated the kind of problems which remain unresolved, particularly in characterizing rainfall attenuation accurately, which is a necessary pre-requisite to the planning of new communications systems in the 30 to 60 GHz band, and especially to efficient spectrum utilization and systems reliability