What do we call the phenomenon that occurs when an antenna receives waves in a specific orientation?

The phenomenon where an antenna receives waves in a specific orientation is known as polarization. Polarization refers to the direction in which the electric field of the electromagnetic wave oscillates. When waves are transmitted from the source, they can have various polarization states, including linear, circular, or elliptical.

For antennas, the effectiveness of wave reception is highly dependent on the alignment of the antenna with the polarization of the incoming waves. If an antenna is designed for vertical polarization, it will effectively capture waves that oscillate vertically. Conversely, it will not efficiently catch waves that are polarized horizontally. This characteristic is critical for ensuring optimal signal reception and transmission in various wireless communication systems, such as radio, television, and mobile phones.

Understanding polarization helps engineers design antennas better suited for specific applications, as they can align the antennas with the expected polarization of the transmitted signals, ultimately improving communication quality and reducing interference.