Finite-volume time-domain analysis of a cavity-backed Archimedean spiral antenna

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of a broadband (2-18 GHz) cavity-backed Archimedean spiral antenna. The simulation of the device is performed using the finite-volume time-domain method. The high geometrical flexibility of this method permits a detailed modeling of the antenna including the thin substrate, the feeding balun, and the cavity loaded with a honeycomb absorber. The simulated far-field radiation patterns and the return loss are compared to measurements, showing an excellent agreement over the whole frequency band. The radiation mechanism of the spiral is visualized by observing the current distribution on the spiral arms for both pulsed and harmonic excitation modes.