A small dipole-fed resonant reflector antenna with high efficiency, low cross polarization, and low sidelobes

The computer-aided optimization of a small five-wavelength diameter reflector antenna with a center-supported dipole-disk feed is described. The primary radiation is controlled by using a patented beamforming ring to give low cross polarization and low sidelobes due to spillover. The efficiency is maximized by controlling and taking advantage of the multiple reflections between the feed and the reflector. This has inspired the name "resonant reflector antenna." The gain from the feed reflector resonances is so large that it compensates almost completely for the about 1 dB loss due to center blockage of the aperture.