The polarization in which E field radiates energy in both the horizontal plane and
vertical plane and in all the planes in between is known as circular polarization. In
this polarization, electric field has two linear components which are perpendicular
to each other with equal amplitude and 90 degree phase difference. The resulting
E-field rotates in a circle around the direction of propagation. Based on direction
of rotation there are two types, RHCP(Right Hand Circular Polarization) and
LHCP(Left Hand Circular Polarization). Circularly polarized light signal can be
generated by passing linear polarized light signal through quarter wave plate
(λ/4) at angle of 45 degree to the optical axis of plate.
RHCP (Right Hand Circular Polarization): In this type, electric field rotates
clockwise as seen by an observer towards whom the wave is moving. • LHCP
(Left Hand Circular Polarization): In this type, electric field rotates
counterclockwise as seen by an observer towards whom the wave is moving.
