High efficiency dual polarized horn antenna

Abstract

A dual polarized horn antenna that increases the efficiency of a square or rectangular aperture which may be used in situations where a high efficiency aperture is needed in a constrained space. The antenna has a body that is tapered from a first end to a second end, wherein the first end is smaller in cross section than the second end. A flange is formed around the periphery of the body adjacent to the first end. An opening is formed in the first end of the body. A tuning iris is preferably disposed in the opening that provides for impedance matching. An insert is disposed in the central tapered opening 16 adjacent to the second end that has a central cross-shaped tapered member. The central cross-shaped tapered member extends into the central tapered opening and forms a plurality waveguide passages that form a corresponding plurality of quadrants. A plurality of cross-shaped members are respectively disposed in the quadrants and extend a short distance into the central tapered opening. The antenna may be advantageously used where longer apertures are desired. The antenna has a radiating efficiency on the order of 97 percent.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.