Shaping Antenna Phase and Amplitude Distributions for Low Sidelobes

Charles P. Burns

Jan 1971 · Georgia Tech Research Institute

About this eBook

For many radar applications, extremely low antenna sidelobes can improve system performance. Current techniques utilize only the antenna amplitude distribution to produce lower sidelobes. This report presents results of an investigation of combined amplitude and phase tapering to produce lower sidelobes. Combinations of phase and amplitude distributions and the resulting far-field patterns were studied theoretically through computer analysis. Gaussian phase tapers with cosine and modified Taylor amplitude distributions were studied in detail. Experimental work included the construction of a dielectric lens for a horn antenna that significantly lowered the sidelobe level. Design information was compiled to demonstrate tradeoffs between amplitude tapering alone and combined phase and amplitude tapering. (Author).