Analysis of Ionospheric Propagation Paths over the Korean Peninsula Based on Three-Dimensional Electron Density Data

When electromagnetic waves propagate through the ionosphere, they deviate from the free-space propagation path because of refraction. This paper presents an analysis of the propagation paths of electromagnetic waves passing through the ionosphere over the Korean Peninsula, based on inhomogeneous 3D electron density data. On the basis of this analysis, the quantitative refraction errors are calculated considering the operating frequency, elevation angle, and variations across daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, and solar cycles. The results reveal that the refraction error caused by the ionosphere increases significantly at lower elevation angles and frequency bands than at higher elevation angles and frequency bands. Further, the refractive error is calculated according to the solar activity cycle, confirming that the refractive error increases as the solar maximum approaches. The analysis findings can help rectify refraction errors in satellite communication, space surveillance radar, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems.