Polarization measurement using six-port network analyzer: a theoretical and experimental approach

Summarizes a theoretical and experimental investigation of a generic six-port system to measure the polarization of an incoming wave. Six-port systems are especially attractive because only power measurements (no phase measurements or comparisons) are required to obtain this information; furthermore, unlike some conventional techniques for measurement of polarization, they do not involve moving parts or rotary joints. Six-port systems are also attractive because their components need not meet any particular tight electrical specifications. Once such a system is assembled, it may be calibrated using five or more (relatively arbitrary) known inputs. After calibration four simultaneous power measurements, taken by power meters monitoring the output from four of the six ports, are required to calculate the polarization of the incoming wave.<>