Thin-film HTS planar antennas

Abstract

The "H" microstrip antenna is suitable for use as an efficient small antenna when it is constructed out of superconducting thin-film materials. An aperture feed and matching network is described which provides a convenient enhancement of the capabilities of the "H" antenna. Methods of prediction of the center frequency are given. In addition, an analytical expression is developed for the far field radiation pattern of the "H" antenna and the efficiency and Q of superconducting and copper antennas are described using this expression. It is likely that superconducting antennas will only have significant application when they are used in arrays. Three arrays are described demonstrating multiband self-diplexing multifrequency-enhanced bandwidth and multifrequency beam forming.