A wave polarization converter for circular polarization

A linearly polarized wave may be converted to a circularly polarized wave by means of a panel which provides difference in transmission phase between two crossed linear components. This phase difference is obtained over a wide frequency band by means of thin sheets containing both inductive and capacitive shunt susceptance. Low reflection and near unity axial ratio may be obtained by means of three sheets which are spaced for least reflection. An experimental polarizer has been constructed using three photo-etched sheets and a dielectric honeycomb core. Over a 20 per cent band the axial ratio of the circular polarization is within 1.7 db and the insertion loss is within 0.5 db. Over a 46 per cent band the axial ratio is less than 2.0 db and the insertion loss is less than 1.0 db.