A novel two-step flare wide band horn antenna

In this letter, a novel dual section or two step flare horn antenna for working at 1.5-8 GHz is presented. Novelty of this design is through utilizing of double flare section in horn so that the adverse effects of diffractions caused by ridges on radiation are decreased. The proficiency of new design is indicated in terms of location of the phase center, radiation pattern, and VSWR. Similarity of pattern for the two main polarizations over 10 dB beamwidth at 45 degrees slant rotation is a feature of this antenna for applications that need similar amplitude patterns for two horizontal and vertical polarizations in the main beam. One prototype of antenna has been fabricated and tested with excellent agreement between measured and simulated results. Amplitude radiation patterns of this antenna for vertical and horizontal polarizations and also distance of the phase center from aperture versus frequency are illustrated.