Parabolic Wavefront Model for Line-of-Sight MIMO Channels

Motivated by the widespread adoption of the parabolic wavefront model for line-of-sight (LOS) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication, this paper presents a comprehensive analysis of this model’s validity and simple conditions that ensure its applicability. Then, with the model’s scope clearly delineated, the paper expounds a number of properties of the channel that results from applying it. Connections are drawn among these properties under the umbrella of a Fourier interpretation, and their significance to LOS MIMO communication is substantiated.