Analysis of the currents induced in a general wire cross by a plane wave incident at an angle with arbitrary polarization

Earlier analyses of the wire cross under restricted conditions are generalized, and a complete first-order solution is provided for the currents and charges per unit length in all four arms. These may have different and unrestricted lengths. The angles of incidence and polarization of the exciting plane wave are arbitrary. Detailed graphs are provided for the currents in and scattered fields of an equi-arm cross with electrical arm lengths up to 3.5 when the angle of incidence is and the electric vector is perpendicular to the horizontal wire. The included three resonances and the condition for a three-arm type of oscillation are treated. The critical effects of changes in the length of one of the vertical arms are examined for normal and nonnormal incidence.