Abstract: An antenna element (10) has two dielectric layers (12, 13), which separate three ground planes (17, 18, 21, 22, 23). The three ground planes have respective slots (26, 27, 28), which collectively define a slotline communicating at an inner end with a balun hole (57) that extends through all of the ground planes and dielectric layers. Two capacitive switches (121) are supported within the balun hole, and each have terminals respectively coupled to the same ground plane on opposite sides of the balun hole. The capacitive switches are independently and selectively operated to dynamically vary the impedance characteristic of the overall balun structure that includes the balun hole and two switch assemblies, and which gives the antenna element good electrical performance over a wide bandwidth. The antenna element includes a stripline (36), and a stripline to a slotline transition exists at the end of the slotline adjacent the balun hole.

Abstract: A system for steering an antenna includes a first component that includes a first lens and is operable to perform a first focusing of a plurality of signals to form a plurality of focused signals. The system also includes a second component that includes a second lens and is operable to form a first focused beam by performing a second focusing of the plurality of focused signals. The second component further includes a first splitter and is further operable to split the first focused beam into a first set of intermediate beams. The system further includes a third component that includes a second splitter and is operable to split a particular one of the first set of intermediate beams into a second set of intermediate beams. The third component further includes a first combiner and is further operable to combine a particular one of the second set of intermediate beams with at least one other intermediate beam split from a second focused beam to generate a composite beam.

Abstract: An improved Lewis scanner comprising a focal lens having two best focus angles positioned with its axis at an angle other than perpendicular to the antenna aperture. The antenna aperture is maintained vertical with respect to the earth's surface to provide a planar beam at 0.degree. elevation. The focal lens axis is oriented at an angle of typically one-half the maximum elevation scan angle. The angle of the microwave reflector between the parallel plates of the Lewis scanner is changed from the conventional 45.degree. by one-half the angle between the focal lens axis and the 0.degree. elevation angle. An asymmetric feed lens improves the beam shape over the entire scan range.