On the representation of a planar current distribution

A graphical technique for providing a comprehensive and intuitive representation of the current distribution on a planar antenna is introduced. The technique allows information about the magnitude, direction, polarization and relative phase of the current to be simultaneously displayed in a simple, monochromatic form, suitable for printed media. The proposed representation allows the source of polarization artifacts in antennas to be easily identified, and provides a clear distinction between traveling- and standing-wave modes. Examples of the technique applied to an elliptically polarized patch and a feed-network junction are presented.