Term: Co-polarization signature

Definition:

A 3-dimensional plot showing the backscattered power as a function of orientation and ellipticity of the EM wave when the incident and backscattered polarizations are the same.

Explanation:

As an example, if the signature has a single peak centred at ellipticity = 0 and orientation = 90°, the received power is a maximum when the polarizations are linear vertical (Graphic 1).

Related Terms:

Polarization signature
Ellipticity angle
Orientation angle (tilt angle)
Pedestal height

Graphic 1:

Co-pol signature of a Bragg scatterer (S_vv = 1.1 S_hh)
P = power,
O = orientation (°),
E = elipticity (°)