Depolarization of a circularly polarized wave by an infinite cylinder

Depolarization of a circularly polarized radar signal, scattered by an infinite cylinder, is examined over a large range of values for the electrical circumference
ka
. Experimental data were obtained to verify the prediction that the circular depolarization ratio exceeds unity at normal incidence for a sizeable range of
ka
less than unity. Backscattering widths and field phases are analyzed for linear and circular polarizations as they relate to scattering from the infinite cylinder.