Raytheon Company

David T Thomas

Donald H Archer

Stephen D Bixler

A radio frequency antenna having a parabolic reflecting surface and an array of feeds disposed adjacent the focal point of the parabolic reflecting surface, such feeds providing a predetermined amplitude and phase distribution to radio frequency signals passing to such feeds, each one of such feeds passing such energy in the same propagation mode. The energy passing through each one of the feeds is reflected from the reflecting surface and combines at the radiating aperture to provide, in free space, an antenna pattern having relatively low sidelobes over a relatively wide band of frequencies. The array of feeds includes a waveguide section having opposing outer wall portions and a plurality of conductive members disposed between the opposing outer wall portions to provide, with the outer wall portions, a plurality of channels. The conductive members have first ends pivotally connected, at regularly spaced positions, to a pair of orthogonally disposed outer wall portions whereas the spacing between the second ends of the conductive members and the first mentioned pair of outer wall portions establishes the amplitude and phase distribution of the array of feeds. Such channel structure is adapted to provide the desired amplitude and phase distribution and operate with relatively large amounts of power.

Parabolic antenna with horn feed array

A radio frequency energy antenna system for directing a collimated beam of radio frequency energy in free space over relatively wide scan angles. The antenna system includes a plurality of antenna elements disposed along a curved path for producing a directed, noncollimated beam of radio frequency energy and a radio frequency lens disposed between the antenna elements and free space for collimating the radio frequency energy in the directed, noncollimated beam to produce the collimated beam of radio frequency energy in free space. The arrangement of the antenna elements along a curved path produces an amplitude distribution across the collimated beam wavefront which is substantially uniform. A second radio frequency lens has a plurality of array ports coupled to the plurality of antenna elements and a plurality of feed ports, each one being associated with a corresponding collimated beam of radio frequency energy in free space. With such lens the antenna has a relatively wide operating bandwidth. The disposition of the antenna elements along the curved path enables the second lens to be smaller in size and have a shape wherein the array ports and feed ports face one another to a greater degree than if the antenna elements were disposed along a straight line thereby improving the operating effectiveness of the second lens.

Growing community of inventors

Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America

David T Thomas