Optimized Design of a Compact Probe for Accurate Near Field Measurements

A rectangular corrugated horn antenna is designed for use as a probe for planar, cylindrical or spherical near-field measurements. The performance of the new design is compared with that of standard rectangular probes. The proposed probe has a nearly omnidirectional radiation pattern with very low cross polarization over a wide bandwidth. Moreover, the small size of the antenna is very suitable for use as a probe. Simulations and optimizations were carried out with a software tool based on the moment method.