2001/05/01 by Martin Houde, Rachel L. Akeson, Rachel L. Akeson +8 · 2 citations
Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Electromagnetic Compatibility and Measurements #Electromagnetic Scattering and Analysis #Radio Astronomy Observations and Technology #astro-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.1086/320287
published as Publ.Astron.Soc.Pac. 113 (2001) 622-638 · 35 pages, 6 figures
openalex publication_date 2001/05/01 · arxiv created 2003/11/18 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
This paper gives an analysis of the behavior of polarizing grids and reflecting polarizers by solving Maxwell's equations, for arbitrary angles of incidence and grid rotation, for cases where the excitation is provided by an incident plane wave or a beam of radiation. The scattering and impedance matrix representations are derived and used to solve more complicated configurations of grid assemblies. The results are also compared with data obtained in the calibration of reflecting polarizers at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory. From this analysis, we propose a method for choosing the optimum grid parameters (wire radius and spacing). We also provide a study of the effects of two types of errors (in wire separation and radius size) that can be introduced in the fabrication of a grid.