Characterization and modelling of turbulence-induced scintillation on millimetre-wave line-of-sight links

Turbulence-induced scintillation may significantly impair terrestrial radio communications above 10 GHz. On the basis of data measured on a 35 GHz 10 km line-of-sight link and of both theoretical and experimental results reported in the literature, the influence of atmospheric turbulence on terrestrial millimetre-wave links is reviewed. The scintillation effects are characterized, as well as their dependence on link parameters, and the underlying physical mechanisms are highlighted. A deterministic physical model is then developed. It allows to synthesize the atmospheric structure responsible for observed scintillation on the basis of meteorological information and to simulate its influence on communication links.