A Compact Circularly-Polarized Lens-Hom Antenna with Very Low Axial Ratio and SLL

Antennas used in radio astronomy and remote sensing applications often require the use of high gain horns whose size can be impractical at lower frequencies. To overcome this problem, lens corrected horns are employed. In this paper, the design process of a lens horn antenna with very low axial ratio and side lobe level is reviewed. An analysis of the lens effect over the radiation pattern and matching is performed and some guidelines on the design process are outlined. Measurements of return loss, isolation, radiation pattern and axial ratio are given showing good agreement with the simulations.