16-Element Single-Layer Rectangular Radial Line Helical Array Antenna for High-Power Applications

A 16-element single-layer rectangular radial line helical array antenna is proposed and investigated. In the single-layer radial line feed system, two new probes are used to satisfy the coupling requirement. The sequential rotation technique is introduced to improve the axial ratio of the antenna. An antenna prototype is designed, simulated, and measured. The results indicate its advantages of high aperture efficiency, low input VSWR, and favorable axial ratio. The field distributions of this antenna are analyzed through simulation, which prove its advantage of high power-handling capacity. This array is also used to form an 8 × 8 array antenna, which demonstrates its ability to be used as a subarray.