Circular polarization characterization analysis: A case study of the scaled model of the ship and water body

Abstract

Addressing the inadequate analysis of circular polarization characteristics, this study constructs a laboratory detection system. Utilizing the ship model against the water body background, this study focuses on analyzing the circular polarization characteristics and proposes a quantitative algorithm for analyzing circular polarization contrast. Results indicate that the circular polarization of the target increases in the forward scattering and decreases in the backward scattering region as the zenith angle of observation increases. The band characteristics of circular polarization in the water body are evident, with the peak located in the specular reflection zone. In contrast, the values in the backward scattering region exhibit reduced variability. Quantitative analysis of circular polarization contrast reveals peak values exceeding 0.7, which can effectively separate the target from the water body information. This paper provides critical insights for utilizing circular polarization data and establishes a theoretical foundation for target detection by incorporating comprehensive polarization information.