Cross-polarization measurement chalenges in a spherical near-field test facility

Accurate cross polarization measurements present challenges to a test facility due to the difficulty of resolving low amplitude levels typically observed in these radiation patterns. The effectiveness of the near-field measurement set-up and acquisition, in addition to the post-processing of the collected near-field data are critical to the success of the measurement. This paper discusses recent experiences at resolving low-cross polarization levels in the spherical near-field facility at the Canadia Space Agency's David Florida Laboratory. Chamber alignment, measurement, and processing procedures are discussed and the results presented for characterization of a corrugated cylindrical waveguide.