Wide-range astronomy antenna

A new antenna structure that works in a wide range of frequencies has been presented by researchers from Carlos III University of Madrid (UC3M) in collaboration with the National Astronomical Observatory in Spain.

The antenna is suitable for operation at radio astronomy frequencies often at 300–400 MHz. It can operate in a greater field of action than that of antennas currently in use because it radiates by active zones depending on the one which is activated by the fields.

The study claims lower production costs, compared with many antennas currently in use. Also, an improvement of the anti-polar component was noted while maintaining the other features of antennas.

Dr Luís Enrique García Muñoz, team leader of the research project in the Department of Signal and Communication Theory at UC3M , explains that the main advantage in using this type of antenna is that it reduces the ‘antipolar component of the electrical field’, which is an unwanted or harmful component emitted and received by any antenna. Furthermore, its palm-tree shape reduces costs since it has less metallic mass.

When it comes to developing an antenna of this type, many factors had to be taken into account, according to Muñoz. Among these are its energy capacity, gain (the energy it transmits in one direction), weight, production process and directivity, which is the main factor, since it defines how the antenna radiates and in what directions.

The research arose from an international project of the National Astronomical Observatory, where applications in the area of radio astronomy receptors could be found, as well as basic research into broadband printed antennas.