Nested horn radiator assembly

Abstract

A horn radiator assembly includes two horn radiators each of which is formed as a conical horn and a waveguide of constant cross section connected to the small end of the horn as a feed and providing a signal port. The first of the horn radiators is of relatively large cross section and serves to radiate electromagnetic waves at a relatively low frequency. The second of the horn radiators is of relatively small cross section and serves to radiate electromagnetic waves at a relatively high frequency. The second radiator is nested within the first radiator, and is positioned with its radiating aperture coplanar with the radiating aperture of the first radiator. In the second radiator, the waveguide feed is provided with a bend allowing the waveguide feed to pass through a wall of the first radiator. A strut may be affixed to the bend to provide a symmetrical transverse support within the first radiator for the second radiator. A doubly-tapered electrically conductive sheet extends from an apex within the throat of the first radiator horn to the transverse support, and from there tapers back to contact the horn of the second radiator. The tapered sheet guides low-frequency radiation past the strut and the bend to minimize standing wave ratio.