Estimation of Current Distribution on Dipole Antenna Elements using a Double-Output Shielded Loop Probe

A method to estimate the current distribution on a dipole antenna is presented. A small double-output shielded loop probe is introduced as a magnetic field sensor to detect magnetic fields near the antenna element. The current value distribution on the dipole element is estimated by solving an inverse problem with measurement data. The current value distribution agreed with the result of the corresponding distribution calculated by the method of moments. As a result, the validity of the presented method not only on the current distribution form but also on its values is confirmed. Finally the method is applied to estimate the current value distributions of symmetric and asymmetric dipole elements and their feeders.