UWB shielded teardrop monopole antenna for GPR and communications

Ultra-wideband characteristics are often sought for radar and communications applications. This paper investigates the properties of a re-sistively loaded teardrop monopole, embedded into a cavity in such a way that the antenna face has a flat profile. Finite Difference Time Domain analysis and measurements indicate ultra-wideband performance. Investigation of coupling between closely spaced antennas shows quite good isolation, and constriction of current flow to the immediate vicinity of the antenna. The basic causes of the low level late time ringing in the antenna are seen to be related to identified mechanisms, which can then be further investigated and optimised.