This document discusses different types of polarization of electromagnetic waves. It defines polarization as the path of the electric field vector of an EM wave over time at a fixed point in space. There are three main types of polarization: linear, where the electric field follows a straight line; circular, where it follows a perfect circle; and elliptical, where the path is an ellipse. Linear polarization occurs when the ratio of the electric field components is constant. Elliptical polarization can be right-handed or left-handed. Circular polarization is a special case of elliptical polarization where the ellipse major and minor axes are equal.

1. Wave
Polarization
Radio Frequency
Communication
Saptarshi Mazumdar
1729058 - CSCE-1

2. Introduction
Polarization is the path traversed
by the Electric Field vector (Ê) of
the Electromagnetic wave as a
function of time at a fixed point in
space.
In the figure 1, an EM wave is
shown which is converted into
Electric wave.
† Figure 1

3. Types of Polarization
There are three types of
Polarization.
 Linear Polarization
 Circular Polarization
 Elliptical Polarization

4. Linear Polarization
In Linear Polarization, the electric
field vector traverses a linear path
with respect to time at any point in
space.
Considering a wave travelling in z
direction can be represented
using,
E(x,y,z,t) = Ex (x,y,z,t)ax + Ey
(x,y,z,t)ay
The wave is said to be Linear
Polarization if the ratio of y
component to that of the x
component is a constant, i.e.,
[Ex (x,y,z,t)] / [Ey (x,y,z,t)]= k

5. Elliptical Polarization
In Elliptical Polarization, the locus
of the electrical field vector is an
ellipse at any given point in space,
with respect to the time.
There are two types of Elliptical
Polarization:
 Right Hand Polarization
 Left Hand Polarization
According to the equation of
Ellipse,
{Ex (x,y,z,t) / A}^2 + {Ey
(x,y,z,t) / B}^2= 1

6. Circular Polarization
Circular Polarization is a special type of Elliptical Polarization, where
denominators of Ellipse are equal which clearly signifies the Major axis
and Minor axis of Ellipse are equal in size.
{Ex (x,y,z,t)}^2 + {Ey (x,y,z,t)}^2= 1

7. Fun Fact
Tourmaline Crystal,
found in Tourmala
District, Sri Lanka is the
one and only natural
polarizer and comes with
different color variant.

8. Thank You
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