Understanding the bandwidth limitations of small antennas: Wheeler, Chu and today

Wheeler's 1947 paper presented the first detailed discussion on the limitations on antenna Q-factor vs. size. In light of recent work on the lower bounds on Q for antennas of arbitrary shape, it is instructive to revisit Wheeler's paper to understand the similarities and differences between his results and our new understanding of the bounds on Q for electrically small antennas. A close study of Wheeler's work provides important practical insights for antenna designers seeking optimal performance and a clear understanding of the physics of small antennas.