Correlation Transfer Characteristics of Multiple Element Antennas

The coherence theory of electromagnetic waves is introduced into describing the correlation transfer characteristics of a multiple element antenna (MEA). The correlations between its input and output signals rather than the antenna elements are studied. In the case of transmission, the coherence properties of the radiation fields can be expressed by the correlation matrix of the input vectors and the tensor products of the element patterns. On the other hand, when two polarized components of the incident fields are not incoherent, the more general formula should be adopted in reception. The common used version is just a special case. To demonstrate these results, two dipole configurations are simulated.