Gain enhancement in dielectric core filled multimode conical horn antenna

Dielectric core inserted multimode conical horns for optimizing the feed horn performance with low sidelobe and cross-polarization together with increased directivity and gain are investigated. Multiflare conical horns were designed at K/sub u/-band frequencies, and were studied experimentally with dielectric core inserts made of low-loss polyethylene and polystyrene. Radiation pattern measurements were for HE/sub 11/ mode excitation of the horn by a TE/sub 11/ mode in the input circular waveguide at frequencies of 10 to 18 GHz. It is observed that the performance of the horn is similar to that of the dielectric loaded multiflare conical horn studied by the author earlier (1992). But the distinctive difference is that in the present horn the gain performance is less sensitive to frequency compared to that with wall dielectric loading.<>