Feasibility study of eigenmode propagation through 2D models of vegetation

Purpose This study aims to model and investigate low-loss wave-propagation modes across random media. The objective is to achieve better channel properties for applying radio links through random vegetation (e.g. forest) using a beamforming approach. Thus, obtaining the link between the statistical parameters of the media and the channel properties. Design/methodology/approach A beamforming approach is used to obtain low-loss propagation across random media constructed of long cylinders, i.e. a simplified two dimensional (2D) model of agroforests. The statistical properties of the eigenmode radio wave propagation are studied following a Monte Carlo method. An error quantity is defined to represent the robustness of an eigenmode, and it is shown that it follows a known Lognormal statistical distribution, thereby providing a base for further statistical investigations. Findings In this study, it is shown that radio wave propagation eigenmodes exist based on a mathematical model. The algorithm presented can find such modes of propagation that are less affected by the statistical variation of the media than the regular beams used in radio wave communication techniques. It is illustrated that a sufficiently chosen eigenmode waveform is not significantly perturbed by the natural variation of the tree trunk diameters. Originality/value As a new approach to obtain low-loss propagation in random media at microwave frequencies, the presented mathematical model can calculate scattering-free wave-propagation eigenmodes. A robustness quantity is defined for a specific eigenmode, considering a 2D simplified statistical forest example. This new robustness quantity is useful for performing computationally low-cost optimization problems to find eigenmodes for more complex vegetation models.