High Frequency Raytracing for Studying the Ionosphere and Radio Propagation (Invited Tutorial)

High Frequency (HF) raytracing is a tool to study the propagation of HF radio waves through the ionosphere. This presentation will cover the basics of raytracing, including typical inputs and outputs. We will review the different physics that may be included in the raytracer and how changes in the ionosphere may affect the radio wave propagation. A brief description of how to use a raytracer for common applications will be provided. The applicable frequency ranges and limitations of this technique will be also discussed.