A novel squeezable elliptical antenna array for sector scanning remote sensing applications

A new method of beam steering and scanning using elliptical arrays is analyzed in this paper. The analysis is based on the idea that the elliptical array with the same feeding and geometry of a circular array, which is adjusted originally to give a main beam at a certain direction, will orient the main beam towards another direction according to a certain transformation. The elliptical array can be obtained by mechanically squeezing the circular array through linear motion of the elements. The suggested technique of scanning is characterized by keeping the antenna aperture itself fixed. Thus there will be a great saving of the power exhausted in mechanically moving the heavy antenna system