Traveling wave arrays of mismatched elements

Abstract

Normal design practice for traveling wave arrays assumes that radiating elements cause negligible mismatch to the transmission line feed. This assumption cannot be made for tightly coupled or largely reactive radiating elements. An analysis is given for calculating element resistances and spacings which will produce an aperture distribution with the desired amplitude and linear phase in the presence of internal multiple reflections along the transmission line. The method leads in general to variable element spacing. Two examples of arrays designed on this basis are given.