Abstract: A lower element ground plane apparatus for maximizing ground plane surface area in an antenna system, the apparatus involving a lower element of a bi-element antenna and an array of monopole antennas coupled with the lower element of the bi-element antenna, the lower element of the bi-element antenna operable as a ground plane for the array of monopole antennas, whereby ground plane surface area is maximized.

Abstract: A lens apparatus for improving antenna performance, the apparatus involving a lens configured to at least one of focus, refocus, and refract electromagnetic energy for constructively adding gain in a far-field, the lens configured to operably couple with an antenna, whereby electromagnetic energy is omnidirectionally concentrated, whereby antenna gain and directivity are improved, whereby antenna efficiency and antenna frequency range are maintained, and whereby antenna complexity is minimized.

Abstract: A lower element ground plane apparatus for maximizing ground plane surface area in an antenna system, the apparatus involving a lower element of a bi-element antenna and an array of monopole antennas coupled with the lower element of the bi-element antenna, the lower element of the bi-element antenna operable as a ground plane for the array of monopole antennas, whereby ground plane surface area is maximized.

Abstract: A lens apparatus for improving antenna performance, the apparatus involving a lens configured to at least one of focus, refocus, and refract electromagnetic energy for constructively adding gain in a far-field, the lens configured to operably couple with an antenna, whereby electromagnetic energy is omnidirectionally concentrated, whereby antenna gain and directivity are improved, whereby antenna efficiency and antenna frequency range are maintained, and whereby antenna complexity is minimized.

Abstract: An elliptical portion having planform cross-section involving a generally circular configuration and an elevational cross-section having at least a partial elliptical configuration; a conical portion having at least one of a conical configuration and a frustoconical configuration, the conical portion coupled with the elliptical portion; and a modifier feed, the modifier feed having a first feed element and a second feed element, whereby the antenna apparatus is configured to perform as a monopole antenna at a low frequency and as a hybrid monopole-biconical antenna at a high frequency.

Abstract: An antenna comprises a first antenna element, a second antenna element and a fractal element having a first fractal element end, a central fractal element length and a second fractal element end. The first antenna element, the second antenna element and the fractal element are situated in a tapered slot antenna pair configuration along a longitudinal axis. The fractal element is directly coupled to, and forms an electrical connection between, the first antenna element and the second antenna element at a location between a lowest operating frequency phase center and the launch end. The first fractal element end is coupled to the first antenna element. The second fractal element end is coupled to the second antenna element. The central fractal element length is disposed so as to be non-parallel with the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an antenna element and a curved ground plane positioned beneath the antenna element. The antenna element has a height h and a first end with a tapered width, where h is approximately equal to the distance of a width-wise cross-sectional curve of the curved ground plane. The width of the curved ground plane is less than or equal to ½ h. A load may be positioned on top of a second end of the antenna element. The second end of the antenna element has a thickness greater than the first end and less than a thickness of the load. The curved ground plane may be substantially hemispherical in shape or may have a tapered height and increase in width from a first end to a second end.