A reflection coefficient matrix for radio waves within the ionosphere

Abstract

In previous calculations of the reflecting properties of the ionosphere use has often been made of a 2 × 2 reflection coefficient matrix. This is a true reflection coefficient only in the free space below the ionosphere, but not within the ionospheric plasma. Here a new 2 × 2 matrix is defined which is a true reflection coefficient at all levels both within and outside the ionosphere. It is useful for a detailed study of the processes of reflection, absorption and coupling within the ionosphere.