An offset dual-reflector antenna shaped from near-field measurements of the feed horn: Theoretical calculations and measurements

A synthesizing procedure for shaping dual-reflector offset antennas is described. The synthesis is based on geometrical optics and near-field measurements of amplitude and phase from the feed element. The procedure preserves good symmetry in mapping from feed to aperture which results in minimal distortions of the electrical characteristics of the antenna. A 1.8 m antenna has been manufactured and measured at 12 GHz. The radiation pattern is characterized by low sidelobes and cross polarization introduced by the offset geometry below -50 dB.