Parabolic antennas with a loaded flange

The radiation characteristics of a parabolic dish with a loaded peripheral flange are examined in detail in order to assess the effectiveness of such a loading in further reducing the backward scattered field. Uniformly valid diffraction coefficients are developed to deal with both isotropic and anisotropic surface impedances. It is shown that substantial improvement of the antenna performance can be obtained in a wide rear angular sector, and the optimal loading conditions are determined.