Abstract: Method for dynamically optimizing radome (110) performance. The method can include the steps of sensing (405) at least one parameter defining a performance characteristic of the radome (110). At least one electrical characteristic of the radome (110) can responsively be varied to dynamically modify the performance characteristic. For example, the electrical characteristic can be varied by application of an energetic stimulus (440) to the radome (110).

Abstract: A radome (202) includes a dome wall (208) formed from a dielectric material wherein at least a portion of the dielectric material includes a plurality of magnetic particles (206). Radomes according to the invention can form dome walls of variable thickness, yet still have high radiation efficiency across a wide frequency band. Magnetic radomes utilize dielectrics including magnetic particles (206) to match the impedances between medium boundaries, such as an air to dome boundary.

Abstract: A crossed slot fed microstrip antenna (100). The antenna (100) includes a conducting ground plane (125), which has at least one crossed slot (125), and at least two feed lines (105). The feed lines (105) have respective stub regions (115) that extend beyond the crossed slot (125) and transfer signal energy to or from the crossed slot (125). The antenna (100) also includes a first substrate (150) disposed between the ground plane (120) and the feed lines (105). The first substrate (150) includes a first region and at least a second region, the regions having different substrate properties. The first region is proximate to at least one of the feed lines (105).

Abstract: Method for constructing a radome (110). The method can include the steps of providing a radome structure, wherein the radome structure can include at least one of a radome wall (115) and a radome frame (120). The radome structure can be impedance matched to an operational environment. The impedance match can be independent of the thickness and geometry of the radome structure.

Abstract: A slot fed microstrip patch antenna (300) includes a conducting ground plane (308), the conducting ground plane (308) including at least one slot (306). A dielectric material is disposed between the ground plane (308) and at least one feed line (317), wherein at least a portion of the dielectric layer (313) includes magnetic particles (324). The dielectric layer between the feed line (317) and the ground plane (308) provides regions having high relative permittivity (313) and low relative permittivity (312). At least a portion of the stub (318) is disposed on the high relative permittivity region (313).

Abstract: A slot fed microstrip patch antenna (200) includes an electrically conducting ground plane (208), the ground plane (208) having at least one coupling slot (206) and at least a first patch radiator (209). An antenna dielectric substrate material (205) is disposed between the ground plane (208) and the first patch radiator (209), wherein at least a portion of the antenna dielectric (210) includes magnetic particles (214). A feed dielectric substrate (212) is disposed between a feed line (217) and the ground plane (208). Magnetic particles can also be used in the feed line (217) dielectric. Patch antennas according to the invention can be of a reduced size through use of high relative permittivity dielectric substrate portions, yet still be efficient through use of dielectrics including magnetic particles which permit impedance matching of dielectric medium interfaces, such as the feed line (217) into the slot (206).

Abstract: Method for constructing a radome (110). The method can include the steps of providing a radome structure, wherein the radome structure can include at least one of a radome wall (115) and a radome frame (120). The radome structure can be impedance matched to an operational environment. The impedance match can be independent of the thickness and geometry of the radome structure.

Abstract: A radome (202) includes a dome wall (208) formed from a dielectric material wherein at least a portion of the dielectric material includes a plurality of magnetic particles (206). Radomes according to the invention can form dome walls of variable thickness, yet still have high radiation efficiency across a wide frequency band. Magnetic radomes utilize dielectrics including magnetic particles (206) to match the impedances between medium boundaries, such as an air to dome boundary.

Abstract: A crossed slot fed microstrip antenna (100). The antenna (100) includes a conducting ground plane (125), which has at least one crossed slot (125), and at least two feed lines (105). The feed lines (105) have respective stub regions (115) that extend beyond the crossed slot (125) and transfer signal energy to or from the crossed slot (125). The antenna (100) also includes a first substrate (150) disposed between the ground plane (120) and the feed lines (105). The first substrate (150) includes a first region and at least a second region, the regions having different substrate properties. The first region is proximate to at least one of the feed lines (105).

Abstract: A slot fed microstrip patch antenna (300) includes a conducting ground plane (308), the conducting ground plane (308) including at least one slot (306). A dielectric material is disposed between the ground plane (308) and at least one feed line (317), wherein at least a portion of the dielectric layer (313) includes magnetic particles (324). The dielectric layer between the feed line (317) and the ground plane (308) provides regions having high relative permittivity (313) and low relative permittivity (312). At least a portion of the stub (318) is disposed on the high relative permittivity region (313).

Abstract: A slot fed microstrip antenna (100) having an improved stub (118) provides enhanced efficiency through more efficient coupling of electromagnetic energy between the feed line (117) and the slot (106). A dielectric layer (105) disposed between the feed line (117) and the ground plane (108) provides a first region (112) having a first relative permittivity and at least a second region (113) having a second relative permittivity. The second relative permittivity is higher as compared to the first relative permittivity. The stub (118) is disposed on the high permittivity region (113). The dielectric layer can include magnetic particles, which are preferably disposed underlying the stub.

Abstract: A slot fed microstrip patch antenna (200) includes an electrically conducting ground plane (208), the ground plane (208) having at least one coupling slot (206) and at least a first patch radiator (209). An antenna dielectric substrate material (205) is disposed between the ground plane (208) and the first patch radiator (209), wherein at least a portion of the antenna dielectric (210) includes magnetic particles (214). A feed dielectric substrate (212) is disposed between a feed line (217) and the ground plane. (208). Magnetic particles can also be used in the feed line (217) dielectric. Patch antennas according to the invention can be of a reduced size through use of high relative permittivity dielectric substrate portions, yet still be efficient through use of dielectrics including magnetic particles which permit impedance matching of dielectric medium interfaces, such as the feed line (217) into the slot (206).