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[[Image: Circular_polarization_schematic.png|right|Circular polarization diagram]]
In [[electrodynamics]], '''circular polarization''' of [[electromagnetic radiation]] is a [[polarization]] such that the tip of the [[electric field]] vector, at a fixed point in space, describes a circle as time progresses. The name is derived from this fact. The electric vector, at one point in time, describes a helix along the direction of wave propagation (see the [[polarization]] article for pictures). The magnitude of the electric field vector is constant as it rotates. Circular polarization is a limiting case of the more general condition of [[elliptical polarization]]. The other special case is the easier-to-understand [[linear polarization]].
Circular (and elliptical) polarization is possible because the propagating electric (and magnetic) fields can have two orthogonal components with independent amplitudes and phases (and the same frequency).
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