Dual Polarized Slot Dipole Radiating Element Performance

One of the challenges in developing polarimetric phased array for weather application is the radiating element cross pol performance over scan volume. This poster will present the slot-dipole dual polarized radiating element design and performance. A panel of 144 dual pol element was fabricated and characterized in the farfield RF anechoic chamber to demonstrate cross pol performance across the operating S-band frequency and scan volume. Interactive simulation was developed to extrapolate the measured slot-dipole element performance and demonstrate the panel co-pol and cross pol patterns for any azimuth and elevation angles. The test results of the first iteration of the dual pol element have demonstrated promising performance and future recommendations to enhance element performance were identified.