Abstract: Provided herein are various enhancements for antenna systems and directed radio frequency energy structures. In one example, an apparatus includes an antenna array comprising a plurality of antenna elements formed by waveguide structures embedded within a substrate and positioned about a longitudinal axis of the substrate to form at least two concentric ring arrangements of antenna elements. Apertures of the waveguide structures are configured to emit or receive radio frequency (RF) energy generally along the longitudinal axis. Feed elements are coupled to each of the waveguide structures on an end opposite of the apertures, and configured to couple the RF energy for the antenna array.

Abstract: A reflector antenna includes a reflector having a curved reflecting surface that extends around a longitudinal center axis, wherein the curved reflecting surface is defined by rotating a concave curve around the longitudinal center axis and wherein one end of the concave curve defines an apex on the longitudinal center axis. The reflector antenna may further include a ground plane extension having a flat reflecting surface abutting an edge of the reflector and extending radially away from the longitudinal center axis. A phased array feed may be arranged spaced apart from and opposite to the reflecting surfaces of the reflector and the ground plane extension. A tapered collar may be arranged adjacent to the phased array feed, wherein the tapered collar tapers outward away from the phased array feed and towards the reflector, and wherein the tapered collar comprises an inner reflective surface facing the reflector.

Abstract: Distributed gain equalization circuits for use with radio frequency (RF) devices are provided. The distributed gain equalization circuits include a substrate layer, multiple transverse electromagnetic (TEM) line circuits disposed on the substrate layer and multiple traces disposed on the substrate layer, each trace connected to one or more of the TEM line circuits. The traces and TEM line circuits are configured to provide resistances, inductances and capacitances to eliminate the need for lumped or packaged resistors, inductors and capacitors. The distributed gain equalization circuit operates at millimeter wave frequencies and provides a compensating gain slope to counteract a negative gain slope of the RF device. Methods of manufacturing distributed gain equalization circuits are also provided.

Abstract: An antenna element includes a radiator element, a plurality of feed circuits and a multiplexing interface. The radiator element can transceive radio-frequency (RF) signals. The feed circuits, which include impedance and multiplexing features, are realized on multiple feed locations of the radiating element feed slot. The multiplexing interface is electrically coupled to the plurality of feed circuits and can multiplex a number of sub-band signals associated with the feed circuits. The multiplexing interface can provide a high isolation between the feed circuits.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for wide scan phased array fed reflector systems using ring-focus optics to significantly improve the scan volume of such systems. The subject system includes a reflector having a focal plane and a parabolic curvature configured to receive electromagnetic radiation having a first gain and provide reflected electromagnetic radiation having a second gain greater than the first gain that collimates into a focal ring. The subject system includes a feed array having feed elements positioned about the focal ring, in which each feed element is configured to receive the reflected electromagnetic radiation from the reflector and collimate the reflected electromagnetic radiation into a scanned beam for scanning an annular region. In some aspects, the feed array is centered on the focal ring such that at least one feed element overlaps with the focal ring and remaining feed elements are non-overlapping with the focal ring.

Abstract: An omni antenna assembly includes two antennas, a dipole antenna and a monocone antenna, to provide full spherical coverage. The dipole cavity for the dipole antenna forms one solid part with the monocone antenna. The monocone antenna also includes a monocone and a cylindrical shell connecting the dipole cavity to the monocone. A coaxial transition extends from the cylindrical shell to a matching network. The antenna assembly may be fabricated using additive manufacturing technology.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for wide scan phased array fed reflector systems using ring-focus optics to significantly improve the scan volume of such systems. The subject system includes a reflector having a focal plane and a parabolic curvature configured to receive electromagnetic radiation having a first gain and provide reflected electromagnetic radiation having a second gain greater than the first gain that collimates into a focal ring. The subject system includes a feed array having feed elements positioned about the focal ring, in which each feed element is configured to receive the reflected electromagnetic radiation from the reflector and collimate the reflected electromagnetic radiation into a scanned beam for scanning an annular region. In some aspects, the feed array is centered on the focal ring such that at least one feed element overlaps with the focal ring and remaining feed elements are non-overlapping with the focal ring.

Abstract: A high efficiency short backfire antenna (SBFA) includes a cylindrical reflector and a feed structure. The conductive cylindrical reflector is configured to collect or to radiate electromagnetic waves. The cylindrical reflector has a reflector base and a reflector wall. The feed structure is electromagnetically coupled to the cylindrical reflector. The reflector wall includes a dielectric liner formed on an inside surface of the cylindrical reflector, and the dielectric liner is covered with a structured anisotropic impedance surface.

Abstract: A horn having folded axial corrugations is provided. The horn includes folded axial corrugations for a compact, low-profile, high-efficiency, and high power handling performance. The folded axial corrugations may include a plurality of grooves that are symmetric about a central axis, each groove including an axial portion that extends in a direction parallel to the central axis and a radial portion that extends from an end of the axial portion in a direction perpendicular to the central axis.