Delay of GPS signals in the D and E atmospheric layers: is the quantum theory applicable?

Gennady Golubkov; Lev Eppelbaum; Michael Manzhelii

doi:10.1117/12.2516758

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29 January 2019 Delay of GPS signals in the D and E atmospheric layers: is the quantum theory applicable?

Gennady Golubkov, Lev Eppelbaum, Michael Manzhelii

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Proceedings Volume 11047, 20th International Conference and School on Quantum Electronics: Laser Physics and Applications; 1104717 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2516758
Event: International Conference and School on Quantum Electronics "Laser Physics and Applications": ICSQE 2018, 2018, Nessebar, Bulgaria

Abstract

The foundations of quantum approach to describe of distortion and delay of GPS signal passing through the D and E atmosphere layers are proposed. The problem is reduced to resonant scattering of photons, moving in electromagnetic field produced by the transmitter, on the Rydberg complexes formed in the two-temperature non-equilibrium plasma. The following two processes are considered. First process leads to a forming the creation of additional photons due to stimulated emission and direct increase in the power of the received signal. The second one provides a shift the carrier frequency signal and time delay of its propagation. It happens due to the resonant scattering of Rydberg electron on the ion core and molecule of neutral medium in the intermediate autoionization states due to the non-adiabatic coupling of electronic and nuclear motions. The purpose of our message is to determine the connection of resulting frequency shift and delay time of the satellite signal with the quantum dynamics inside the Rydberg complex consisting of a highly excited molecule and molecule of neutral medium. We note that in one act of resonant photon scattering, the delay time in the intermediate state of the complex is 10^-10 s, i.e. they are peculiar traps for the GPS signals. Under normal geomagnetic conditions the total delay time of the signal arriving at the receiver is Δτ ~ 10^-7 s. Next factor to be taken into account is the additional background incoherent microwave radiation from Rydberg complexes leading to an increase in the signal/noise ratio.

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Gennady Golubkov, Lev Eppelbaum, and Michael Manzhelii "Delay of GPS signals in the D and E atmospheric layers: is the quantum theory applicable?", Proc. SPIE 11047, 20th International Conference and School on Quantum Electronics: Laser Physics and Applications, 1104717 (29 January 2019); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2516758

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