Efficient computation of the polarization characteristics of infinite and finite arrays of tapered-slot antennas

The element patterns of arrays of tapered-slot antennas without dielectric material are computed for both polarization components. The efficiency of the MoM code is based on several improvements for the computation and tabulation of the periodic Green's function in a three-dimensional domain. Numerical validations have been carried out a.o. by comparison with single-polarized arrays at broad-side. An example is shown, which exhibits, for broadside observation, a 9:1 3 dB bandwidth, and a 1 dB bandwidth of 2.5 octaves. The shape of the pattern is shown independently for each polarization. Contrary to the broadside gain, the patterns rapidly deteriorate beyond the grating-lobe frequency. The effects of array truncation on the element patterns are highlighted for single-polarized arrays with the help of finite-by-infinite array simulations.