Properties of the linear polarization bistatic scattering matrix

When the propagation plane containing the transmitter and receiver lines of sight is used as the polarization reference plane, the scattering matrix characterizing linearly polarized bistatic scattering from plane-symmetric targets exhibits scattering geometry symmetries which can be exploited to reduce the time and expense in obtaining bistatic scattering data from static range measurements and theoretical or computer calculations. In this communication the linear polarization symmetry relations are derived and used to determine the minimum number of measurements needed for the complete characterization of target scattering.