Using Axial Ratio AR to predict R or L hand polarization.

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the use of Axial Ratio (AR) to predict the polarization direction of electromagnetic waves, specifically addressing inconsistencies in "Advanced Engineering Electromagnetics" 2nd edition by Balanis. The author, Alan, critiques Balanis for stating that AR values indicate the direction of rotation, asserting that AR cannot reliably predict polarization direction due to its dependence on the representation of electric field components. Alan also contrasts Balanis with Kraus, noting that Kraus defines AR as always positive and does not link it to rotation direction, which he finds more accurate.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic wave propagation
  • Familiarity with Axial Ratio (AR) concepts
  • Knowledge of electric field components and their phase relationships
  • Awareness of different conventions in polarization analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the definitions and applications of Axial Ratio (AR) in electromagnetic theory
  • Examine the differences in polarization conventions between Balanis and Kraus
  • Learn about the Poincaré sphere and its relevance to polarization states
  • Investigate the mathematical representation of electric fields in wave propagation
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for electrical engineers, physicists, and students studying electromagnetic theory, particularly those focusing on wave polarization and its mathematical representations.

yungman
Messages
5,741
Reaction score
291
I take issue with the "Advanced Engineering Electromagnetics" 2nd edition by Balanis again. In Page 156, it claimed for AR=-ve, it is Right Hand rotation, AR=+ve is Left Hand rotation.

For plane wave propagates in z direction and at z=0:

A)Let Ey lag Ex by \frac{\pi}{2}
\Rightarrow\;\vec E(0,t)=Re[\hat x (E_R+E_L)e^{j(\omega t)}+\hat y (E_R-E_L) e^{j(\omega t -\frac{\pi}{2})}]\;=\;\hat x ( E_R+E_L) \cos \omega t +\hat y (E_R-E_L) \sin \omega t
Where E_{x0}=E_R+E_L \;\hbox { and }\;E_{y0}=E_R-E_L.
AR=\frac{E_{max}}{E_{min}}\;=\;\frac{+(E_R+E_L)}{+(E_R-E_L)}
AR is positive

2)But Ey lag Ex by \frac{\pi}{2} can be represented by:
\vec E(0,t)=Re[\hat x (E_R+E_L)e^{j(\omega t+\frac{\pi}{2})}+\hat y (E_R-E_L) e^{j\omega t}]\;=\;-\hat x ( E_R+E_L) \sin \omega t +\hat y (E_R-E_L) \cos\omega t
AR=\frac{E_{max}}{E_{min}}\;=\;\frac{-(E_R+E_L)}{+(E_R-E_L)}
AR is negative.

AR is different even if you use different representation of Ey lagging Ex!

Also, even if you stay with one convention, Right and Left change between propagation in +z or -z.

This is too important for the book to have a blanket statement, AR cannot predict the direction of rotation of the polarized wave. Can anyone verify this?

Thanks

Alan

What's the matter with this topics? I have 8 EM books, only Balanis get more into this polarization. The book is inconsistent. This is not that hard a topic but I am stuck for like two weeks because every time I turn around, I cannot verify the book. Then information on this is hard to get on the web. I finally get the rotation right, but this AR thing is something again!
I am not even talking about difference in conventions, I know Kraus uses different conventions, you either follow Balanis or Kraus. Balanis is more detail, so I follow Balanis. Then Balanis is not consistent in it's own either!
 
Last edited:
Science news on Phys.org
Anyone? You can see, AR is direction of propagation independent, but rotation is absolutely direction dependent.

I also double check EM book by Kraus, it defined AR is always positive and nothing about using AR to predict the direction of rotation, which, should be the correct way. Only problem with Kraus is it uses Poincare circle only and it is not intuitive. Balanis talk about both.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
38K