Statistical Evaluation of Time Multiplexing to Mitigate Differential Reflectivity Bias Due to Cross-Polar Coupling

One of the main challenges to the use of phased array radar for weather observations is the implementation of dual polarization with acceptable levels of cross-polar fields induced by the antenna. For example, to achieve acceptable differential reflectivity ( Z DR ) bias (e.g., less than 0.1 dB) using simultaneous transmission and reception of H and V polarized waves, the isolation between coaxial cross-polar and copolar beams needs to be in excess of 50 dB. Because such isolation cannot be achieved at an affordable price by antenna hardware, additional methods are required to attain supplementary isolation of orthogonal channels. One such option is time multiplexing. Herein, this approach is evaluated from the statistical aspect, whereby the depolarization caused by the radar hardware is accounted for in this study. An evaluation is conducted using theoretical analysis as well as simulated and time series data from a weather radar. The main criteria for evaluation are the bias and standard deviation of differential reflectivity estimates. The results indicate that the implementation of the time-multiplexing method has the capability to significantly improve upon the radar intrinsic cross-polar isolation. However, it is demonstrated herein that the reflectivity gradients in range adversely affect the efficacy of the method and that the standard deviation of estimates can significantly increase as a result of the time-multiplexing application.