Polarization transformer

Abstract

A generalized polarization transformer (10) is disclosed that is capable, under electrical control, of transforming the polarization of a signal between two arbitrary states. In its most general form, the transformer comprises a variable input phase shifter (11) for varying the relative phase between an incident pair of orthogonally polarized wave components; a variable mode converter (12) for varying the relative amplitudes of said orthogonally polarized wave components; and a variable output phase shifter (13) for varying the relative phase between the wave components derived from said mode converters. For some applications, the output phase shifter is not required. In an alternative configuration, the input phase shifter and the mode converter are combined in a common constructure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.