Analysis and Implementation of Polarization Schemes for Polarimetric Radar Systems

Abstract

Polarization schemes recently employed in atmospheric radar systems are described and compared. The considered polarization schemes are: the switching polarization scheme, the hybrid polarization scheme, and the extended hybrid polarization scheme. Performance of polarimetric radar systems using each of these schemes is simulated. These simulations provide insight into strengths and weaknesses of each scheme, and as such, provide a way of choosing the right one for a particular radar application. Results show that the widely accepted hybrid polarization scheme suffers from significant mutual coupling of the measurable values. Depending on the application, the switching or extended hybrid scheme proves to be better choice.