Optimisation of backscatter using the concept of complex characteristic polarisations

A remote sensing technique based upon the measurement of three complex reflection coefficients is shown to facilitate the characterisation of a scattering surface, such as terrain, as a function of the polarisation of the incident wave. An experimental microwave scatterometer is described, together with experimental results from terrain which suggest that optimum scattering conditions may be produced when the incident wave has an appropriate characterstic polarisation.