This RUI proposal addresses theoretical investigations in ionospheric radio wave propagation. Specifically, the PI focuses on the analytical and computational studies of the wave processes occurring in the upper hybrid resonance (UHR) region of the ionosphere during artificial modification by high power radio waves. Topics to be studied are: (1) propagation characteristics of ordinary and extraordinary mode electromagnetic waves launched into the ionosphere from ground based transmitters in the presence of electron density irregularities; (2) linear conversion of the incident wave into upper hybrid and cyclotron harmonic waves at the UHR and their connection to the observation stimulated electromagnetic emissions; and (3) nonlinear wave processes caused by large amplitude waves. Through guided research activities, undergraduate students will acquire skills in critical thinking, model building, computations and graphing.***
