Abstract In a meanderline array random-polarizer comprising a plurality of stacked substantially identical arrays of laterally spaced square-wave shaped conductive strips or meanderlines arranged with parallel extending axes with each such axis spaced one array-period from its nearest counterparts, the improvement consisting of offsetting or staggering the meanderline axes of adjacent arrays by a distance preferably equal to one-half of the array-period. The meanderline axes in one set of alternate arrays are thus aligned in parallel planes spaced apart by an arrayperiod; the meanderline axes in the remaining or second set of alternate arrays are also aligned in parallel planes spaced apart by one array-period; and the second set of parallel planes are offset or staggered by a distance equal to one-half of an arrayperiod from the first set of parallel planes. A polarizer comprising a plurality of such staggered arrays has utility when placed in front of the aperture of pyramidal horn antenna for converting the linearly polarized wave of the horn to a circularly polarized wave.
A polarizer comprising a plurality of meanderline arrays arranged in stacked spaced relation with the planes of the arrays parallel, each array comprising a plurality of conductors formed in the configuration of meanderlines having parallel axes, the axes of meanderlines of adjacent arrays being parallel to and offset from each other by a predetermined distance while axes of such lines in alternate arrays are aligned with each other.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
68 words
A polarizer comprising a plurality of meanderline arrays arranged in stacked spaced relation with the planes of the arrays parallel, each array comprising a plurality of conductors formed in the configuration of meanderlines having parallel axes, the axes of meanderlines of adjacent arrays being parallel to and offset from each other by a predetermined distance while axes of such lines in alternate arrays are aligned with each other.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The polarizer according to claim 1 wherein said predetermined distance is substantially equal to one-half the distance between axes of adjacent lines in each array.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
106 words
In the combination of a pyramidal horn antenna and a meanderline array radome-polarizer, said antenna having a longitudinal axis and an aperture and adapted to be linearly polarized, said polarizer being disposed in said horn aperture transversely of the horn axis and having a pluralitY of arrays of substantially identical conductive meanderlines stacked in the direction of said antenna axis, each array having a plurality of laterally spaced meanderlines with parallel axes extending at an angle of 45* to the plane of polarization of said horn, the improvement consisting of a polarizer in which adjacent meanderlines in adjacent arrays are laterally offset by a predetermined distance.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
106 words
In the combination of a pyramidal horn antenna and a meanderline array radome-polarizer, said antenna having a longitudinal axis and an aperture and adapted to be linearly polarized, said polarizer being disposed in said horn aperture transversely of the horn axis and having a pluralitY of arrays of substantially identical conductive meanderlines stacked in the direction of said antenna axis, each array having a plurality of laterally spaced meanderlines with parallel axes extending at an angle of 45* to the plane of polarization of said horn, the improvement consisting of a polarizer in which adjacent meanderlines in adjacent arrays are laterally offset by a predetermined distance.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combination according to claim 3 in which said distance is substantially the same as one-half the spacing between the axes of adjacnt lines in the same array.