A 3-axis antenna array for polarimetric spectrum surveys

Complete and accurate characterization of the radio environment is necessary for effective management of an increasingly congested radio spectrum. Unfortunately most antenna systems commonly used to perform spectrum surveys only respond strongly to signals with one polarization and from a limited number of directions. This paper describes an easily constructed antenna array that can detect signals from a very broad range of directions, determine the total RF power at a given location regardless of polarization, and provide information about the polarization and arrival direction of signals.