Knots and unknots: Scattering and perceived symmetry

We examine the role of rotational symmetry in electromagnetic wave backscattering from wire knots and unknots. Calculations demonstrate the dominant role of rotational symmetry with respect to the scattering axis in the backscattering of polarized waves from symmetric and asymmetric wire structures. We investigate simple variations of the loop that display the remarkable global range of behavior first shown by trefoils and untrefoils. It is the rotational symmetry as perceived from the scattering axis that is the determining factor in characteristic scatter.