A circularly polarized wave may be resolved into two [[linear polarization|linearly polarized]] waves, of equal amplitude, in [[phase]] [[quadrature]] (90 degrees apart) and with their planes of polarization at right angles to each other.
Circular polarization may be referred to as ''right'' or ''left'', depending on the direction in which the electric field vector rotates. WhenUnfortunately, lookingtwo towardopposing, thehistorical sourceconventions exist. In [[physics]] and [[astronomy]], rightpolarization handis circulardefined polarizedas lightseen rotatesfrom counter-clockwisethe <i>receiver</i>, such as timea [[telescope]] or [[radio increasestelescope]]. ItdescribesBy athis leftdefinition, handedif helixyou could stop time and look at the electric field along the propagationbeam, axisit though.would Thetrace differencea inhelix thesewhich termsis stemsthe fromsame shape as the firstsame-handed definitionsscrew. ofpolarizationsFor example, whichright wascircular definedpolarization lookingproduces intoa right threaded (or forward threaded) [[screw]]. In the sourceU.S., while[[Federal Standard 1037C]] also defines the "handedness" orof circular polarization in this manner. In [[electrical engineering]], however, helicityit is definedmore alongcommon to define polarization as seen from the direction<i>source</i>, ofsuch as from a transmitting antenna. To avoid confusion, it is good practice to specify "as seen from the lightreceiver (or transmitter)" when polarization matters.
