Refers to a mode of radio wave propagation where the electric field vector rotates counterclockwise (as viewed in the direction of the wave's propagation) in a circular path over one period of the wave. This type of polarisation is particularly beneficial in environments where the orientation of the transmitter and receiver antennas might not be fixed or known, as circular polarisation can maintain signal integrity regardless of antenna orientation. In left hand circular polarisation, the field vector follows a left-handed, or counterclockwise, spiral path.
The term hand is used as it refers to the formation of a "thumbs up" with a persons left hand, where the thumb indicates the direction of wave propagation, and the fingers curl in the direction of the circular rotation.
