A model based ray tracing algorithm for anisotropic and inhomogeneous ionosphere with GIM-TEC assimilation

A wave propagation model based on ray tracing for anisotropic and inhomogeneous ionosphere is described in this paper. A modular software tool, named IONOLAB-RAY, is developed to represent ray tracing through the spherical 3D grid model of the ionosphere. Physical parameters of the ionosphere are obtained from IRI-Plas-G for each grid volume. Refractive index of each grid volume is calculated by using Appleton-Hartree formula, which represents the effects of Earth's magnetic field, electron cyclotron frequency and collision frequency. The user has the opportunity to import GIM-TEC data, so that physical parameters of ionosphere can be obtained from a more realistic model especially at storm days.