Optimization and Realization of Quadruple-ridge Flared Horn with New Spline-defined Profiles as a High-efficiency Feed over 4.6–24 GHz

Journal article, 2019

In this paper, we present a new optimization and realization of a quadruple-ridge flared horn (QRFH) as a feed for reflector antennas of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project. The QRFH has been numerically optimized by spline-defined profiles for both the ridges and the horn sidewall, with a conical cavity in the back-short for maximum aperture efficiency. The final aperture efficiency better than (for horizontal polarization) or around (for vertical polarization) 78% over 4.6–8 GHz, 70% over 8–15 GHz, 65% over 15–20 GHz and 60% over 20–24 GHz in the SKA offset-Gregorian dual-reflector antenna has been achieved. The realization of the horn has been carried out carefully by applying several new mechanical design solutions in order to guarantee the accurate positioning of the ridges, the feeding pins and a good electrical contact. The measured S11 is mostly better than -10 dB and the predicted aperture efficiency based on the measured far field patterns agrees well with the simulated result. System performance, such as the sensitivity and system noise temperature, are also estimated and presented.