Cobham Antenna Systems, Microwave Antennas

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Email Microwave Antennas 

PRIMARY SPECIFICATION - Polarisation

All electromagnetic radiation is polarised.  The figures below show the electric (E) vector in a propagating wave for various types of polarisation.  The polarisation of an antenna describes the orientation of its electrical field or E-Plane.

The polarisation can be linear or circular.

Linear polarisation is usually vertical or horizontal.  Dual polar antennas can produce vertical and horizontal polarisation via separate ports.   A further extension of this are dual slant antennas;  these are essentially the same as dual vertical and horizontal antennas but with the polarisation rotated by 45°. 

Circular polarisation is produced when the E-plane of the antenna spins.   Depending on the direction of spin, the polarisation is right or left.

Vertical Polarisation	Horizontal Polarisation	Circular Polarisation