A Monopole Superdirective Array

In principle, the end-fire directivity of a linear periodic array of isotropic radiators can approach as the spacing between elements decreases, provided the magnitude and phase of the input excitations are properly chosen. Thus, the directivity of a two-element array of isotropic radiators would approach a value of four, that is, 6 dB higher than that of a single isotropic radiator. We have conducted a theoretical, computational, and experimental study for a two-element superdirective array of resonant monopoles. In agreement with the theoretical and computational curves, the measured gain of the monopole array does indeed continually increase with decreasing spacing of the monopoles, provided the relative magnitudes and phases are maintained. However, for very small separation, maximum achievable gain is not reached due to the presence of ohmic loss.