An Improved Solid Dielectric Lens Impulse Radiating Antenna

We consider here antennas and sources for radiating high-power ultra-wideband (UWB) electromagnetic impulses from extremely compact and durable packages. Such a device will have applications either as a part of a UWB radar system or as an electromagnetic weapon. A need exists for an antenna that can radiate as broad a bandwidth as possible with maximum gain and at maximum voltage, from as small a package as possible. The antenna must also absorb the high g-forces associated with launch. To address this problem, we propose an antenna called the Solid Dielectric Lens Impulse Radiating Antenna (SDL IRA). This device is similar to a lens TEM horn that is fully immerse in dielectric material, all contained within an electrically conducting cylindrical shroud. Such devices have already been demonstrated in low-voltage versions that are somewhat larger than those required here. We propose refining the existing antenna to make it more suitable for UWB radar within a compact package that can withstand high g-forces. The refinements will include strengthening the design for mechanical shock and high voltages, and improving its low-frequency performance by using a higher dielectric material.