Analysis of a polarization diversity weather radar design

This report focuses not only on a design for a pulse to pulse polarization diversity modification of the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory (AFGL) S-band Doppler weather radar, but also upon the meteorological and technical requirements of such a radar. The theoretical aspects of and physical limitations imposed by the polarization diversity requirement are presented independently of this design and as a result are applicable towards the development of any similar system. The antenna modification could also be applied towards the general case, excepting the condition imposed in this design that the present 24 foot diameter reflector be retained. Formulae are developed to demonstrate the various uncertainties for the system as a whole and the antenna in particular. Tradeoffs between the various meteorological measurement goals vs available and constructible radio frequency components are presented.