Near-Field Distribution of VLF Scattering from a Finite-Length Conducting Cylinder

The present work focuses on the near-field scattering of a finite-length conducting cylinder immersed in the ionosphere below the very low frequency (VLF) range. In particular, the ionosphere has the characteristics of an anisotropic and non-reciprocal plasma. Using the integral equation (IE) approach and the method of moments (MoM), we develop a theoretical model for the VLF scattering in the near region. The contributions from the ordinary wave (O-wave) and extra-ordinary wave (E-wave) are added together to reflect total scattering. Numerical results show that there exists a “cohesion effect” along the direction of the geomagnetic field in the near zone of the scattered field. Additionally, the scattering to the E-wave is greater than that of the O-wave. Potentially, the theoretical formulations and the predicted phenomena would be helpful in exploring the ionosphere and outer space in the future.