Radome wire grid having low pass frequency characteristics

Abstract

Disclosed is a wire grid for tuning a radome or irdome to pass microwave frequency energy while not interfering with the passage of lower radio frequencies such as those used for communications. The wire grid is embedded in the dome material and comprises a plurality of small closely packed wire loops. The close packing of the wire loops provides capacitive coupling between adjacent loops. At microwave frequencies the capacitive coupling between loops makes the pattern equivalent to the prior art continuous wire grid pattern and enhances transmission of a band of microwave frequencies. At low radio frequencies the capacitive coupling between loops is insignificant and the low frequency signals pass through the dome with no reflection. Intermediate frequency signals are attenuated by the wire grid.