Cloud Attenuation Statistics Prediction From <italic>Ka</italic>-Band to Optical Frequencies: Integrated Liquid Water Content Field Synthesizer

Abstract

The impact of cloud impairments on satellite links is increasing with the employment of higher frequency bands. In this paper, a model for predicting cloud attenuation statistics for satellite communication systems operating from Ka-band to optical range is presented. The cloud attenuation must be accurately quantified for the reliable design of satellite communication systems. A stochastic dynamic model for the generation of integrated liquid water content (ILWC) fields is proposed. The model is based on the stochastic differential equations and incorporates the spatial and temporal behavior of ILWC. Classifying the cloud types based on the cloud vertical extent and using the microphysical properties of clouds, the well-known Mie scattering theory and the global statistics for ILWC by International Telecommunications Union-Radio (ITU-R), a unified space-time model for the prediction of induced attenuation due to clouds for frequencies above Ka-band up to optical range is presented. The proposed model is tested in terms of first order statistics, compared first with ITU-R P.840-6 model and then with data obtained in the literature, showing encouraging results. Moreover, the probability of cloud occurrence for optical satellite single and site diversity system is calculated. Finally, the limitations and the applicability of the proposed model are discussed.