Impulse Radiating Antennas, Part II

Abstract

In this continuation of our paper in the last conference proceedings 1 , we consider further developments in the area of Impulse Radiating Antennas (IRAs). First, we consider definitions of gain in the time domain, which are important for optimizing the performance of IRAs. A reasonable definition of gain must be equally valid in transmission as in reception. Such a definition leads naturally to a transient radar equation, which we discuss. Next, we consider how to optimize the feed impedance in a reflector IRA. If we use our simple model of IRA performance, the gain of an IRA is always better at lower impedances. But this implies larger feeds with more aperture blockage. To resolve this, we refine our simple model to account for feed blockage. We also consider the radiation pattern of IRAs, and we provide simple calculations. Finally, we provide a sample experiment which confirms our theory of IRA operation.