Platform Independent Omni-directional Antennas

In this Phase I project Pharad proposes to investigate several novel antenna concepts for a wideband direction finding (DF) surveillance system. Our objective is to create new low profile wideband antennas that can operate over 6 – 18 GHz and feature large fields of view and stable phase responses in order to greatly extend the performance and capabilities of DF systems. We will also investigate electromagnetic procedures that will enable the antenna to operate with the aforementioned characteristics, independent of the platform on which it is mounted. We propose to incorporate an isolation zone between our wideband radiation and the platform on which the antenna is to be mounted and will explore a variety of approaches for creating this isolation region including electromagnetic bandgap structures and ferrite-loaded materials. During this Phase I project we will undertake a thorough theoretical investigation of the proposed antenna configurations, including modeling and optimization of the electromagnetic performance using our comprehensive suite of design tools, and the establishment of generic design trends for the structures. We will also fabricate proof-of-concept versions of the antenna and isolation structures and undertake measurements of the proposed prototype structures to verify their performance.