Mutual Coupling in Infinite Planar Arrays of Rectangular Waveguide Horns

Abstract

The radiation admittance and effective power transmission coefficient are derived by a field matching method for arbitrary scan of an infinite array of open rectangular waveguides. Higher order waveguide modes, as well as higher order modes in the free space cell above the array, are included in the field matching problem. The convergence of the solution was studied, and the number of external free space and internal waveguide modes necessary for an adequate answer are given. Numerical results are obtained and compared with previous theory and with experiment for rectangular grids. Comparison is also made with experiment on a triangular grid which exhibited an anomalous notch in the element pattern. The experimental results in both cases seem to substantiate the theory, at least to the extent that could be expected from the small test arrays that were used for the measurements. The comparison indicates that the method of analysis includes all of the necessary features required for the study of mutual coupling effects in infinite arrays of rectangular waveguides having thick walls.