DUAL-AND QUAD-RIDGED HORN ANTENNA WITH IMPROVED ANTENNA PATTERN CHARACTERISTICS

• Main Authors: JAMES S. MC LEAN, ROBERT A. SUTTON
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 18.05.2006
• Subjects: ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS; BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; ELECTRICITY

As provided herein, a dual- or quad-ridged broadband horn antenna may include a pair of conductive antenna elements arranged opposite one another for guiding an electromagnetic wave in a longitudinal direction through the horn antenna. In some cases, the pair of conductive antenna elements may include substantially convex inner surfaces and appropriately shaped outer surfaces. The convex inner surfaces may generally function to direct or guide the radiated energy without disturbing the intended radiation pattern. To maintain the intended radiation pattern, the broadband horn antenna may also include a pair of tapered extension elements, each coupled to an outer surface of a different one of the antenna elements at one end thereof. In some cases, a magnetic material may be arranged upon at least a portion of the antenna elements to restrict surface currents to flowing along the inner surfaces only. In some cases, longitudinal grooves may be formed within the inner surfaces to restrict surface currents from flowing in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.