Error analysis, calibration, and the polarization scattering matrix

Abstract

In conjunction with the polarization scattering matrix, an error analysis is developed for first-order errors. A set of constraints on the various error quantities is established for a passive antenna. The effects for dissipative and nondissipative errors, together with perturbations due to deviation of the scatterer from the main beam axis and due to thermal noise, is included. The influence or lack of it, of these errors on polarization invariant quantities, rotation about the line of sight, and polarization axial ratios is explicitly developed. Emphasis is also given to calibration procedures for taking account of the various errors as well as Faraday rotation, if present. The essential dependencies are exposed, and the features of both a two-body and a one-body technique are given.