Copolar and cross-polar radiation of Vivaldi antenna on dielectric substrate

Abstract

The copolar and cross-polar radiation patterns of the Vivaldi antenna on a dielectric substrate are calculated and validated by measurements. The method involves a two-step procedure. The electric field distribution across the antenna slot aperture is calculated first. The radiated fields are then calculated, using Green's functions. The continuous exponential tapered shape is approximated by annular linearly tapered sections. The conical transmission-line theory and a variational method yield the electric field in each section. The radiation calculation is based on closed-form expressions for the dyadic Green's function of an elementary electric field source in a conducting half sheet. Both copolar and cross-polar radiation patterns of the Vivaldi antenna are calculated by integrating the Green's functions weighted by the electric field distribution over the antenna aperture. The effect of lateral truncation is taken into account by defining weighting patterns. The method is validated by original measurements and limitations of the model are discussed. Antenna directivity and sensitivity are calculated.