Transient linear TEM horn array

Abstract

This study presents an ultrawideband transverse electromagnetic (TEM) horn array with enhanced frequency- and time-domain performances for high-power transient and short-pulse radiation applications. The proposed linear array is composed of five combined TEM horn and loop elements. The compact size, wideband performance, and low-dispersion characteristics of the utilised element enable good time and frequency operations over more than two-octave bandwidth. The performance of the designed array is characterised computationally and experimentally. The scanning capabilities are also demonstrated; particularly for the time-domain operation using fidelity factor and energy patterns. Moreover, conventional frequency-domain side lobes (SLL) reduction techniques are utilised to minimise the time-domain radiation at undesired directions. The proposed array has VSWR 8 dBi, good quality radiation patterns, and SLL<−10 dB over more than 4:1 bandwidth. Excellent time-domain performance demonstrated by high fidelity factor over the array's field of view is achieved. Time-domain scan up to 40° is also demonstrated.