Frequency domain reflectometry of buried objects using wideband antennas

Antenna design for ground penetrating radar (GPR) requires to take into account a number of features related to subsurface sensing. Usually, such antennas are placed very closely to the object surface under investigation. They should be wideband to ensure good resolution, capable to operate on low frequencies to provide reasonable penetration depth, and be sufficiently sensitive and portable. Here we present the results of comparative analysis performed for two types of most popular antennas - the unidirectional spiral antenna and the tapered-slot antenna (TSA) of Vivaldi type, designed and fabricated by the authors.