Elliptical polarization

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-005348",
  "term": "Elliptical polarization",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A state of electromagnetic radiation where the tip of the electric field vector traces an ellipse in a plane perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. This occurs when two orthogonal components of the electric field oscillate with different amplitudes and a phase difference that is not a multiple of 180 degrees. Circular polarization is a special case of elliptical polarization where the amplitudes are equal and the phase difference is 90 degrees.",
  "see_also": [
    "circular polarization"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/elliptical-polarization/"
}