Low cross-polarization decade-bandwidth ultra-wideband antenna element and array

A modular wideband antenna element, comprising:

• a support structure comprising a feed network;
• first and second arbitrarily-shaped radiator elements extending along a main axis of the antenna element, each of the first and second arbitrarily-shaped radiator elements comprising a plurality of disconnected metal radiator body components separated from one another along the main axis by gap regions, each of the first and second arbitrarily shaped radiator elements defining a wider end and a tapering free end to provide a tapered slot region, wherein the wider ends of the first and second arbitrarily-shaped radiator elements are located closer to the support structure than the tapering free ends of first and second arbitrarily-shaped radiator elements which are located farther from the support structure;
• and
• capacitive enhancing elements located between the disconnected metal radiator body components and configured to couple the gap regions to one another,
• wherein the first and second arbitrarily-shaped radiator elements are configured to be electrically coupled to the feed network and
• wherein the first and second arbitrarily-shaped radiator elements comprise any of a Vivaldi embodiment antenna element, a Body of Revolution (BOR) element having a shape of a tapered cone, and stepped notches having a taper that is stepped upwards in flat segments.