6H10.20 • Dichroic Polarization: Microwave Polarization

Location: Cabinet 6

Photo of the Demonstration at the University of Texas at Austin.

Instructions / Notes:

• A microwave transmitter horn is aimed at its corresponding receiver horn.
• The receiver unit has an audio amplifier atttached to it which must also be switched on for students to hear the signal strength.
• Two sets of metal grates are provided to place in between the transmitter and receiver.
• The transmitter warm up time is about 1 minute after being switched on.

Photo of the Metal Grate in Use.

• When the metal grate is placed in the vertical position - as shown - it will block the signal to the receiver.

Photo of the Demonstration at the University of Texas at Austin.

• To show cross polarization, place the transmitter on its side, as shown above.
• To show cross polarization, place the transmitter on its side, as shown above.
• At 90 degrees cross polarization the signal strength at the receiver will read zero.
• Rotate the metal grate 45 degree and an attenuated signal should be heard.

Last updated on June 8, 2026