Title:  Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Sinuous Antennas for Use in Remote Sensing Applications

Committee: 

Dr. Scott, Advisor

Dr. Peterson, Chair

Dr. Durgin

Abstract:

The objective of the proposed research is in general to utilize the sinuous antenna for polarimetric remote-sensing applications. However, an emphasis will be on the antenna's application to polarimetric detection of subsurface targets i.e., GPR. Sinuous antennas are particularly well suited for such an application as they are capable of producing ultra-wideband (UWB) radiation with polarization diversity in a low-profile form factor. However, there is limited information provided on such antennas in the current literature. This research will provide detailed analysis of the sinuous antenna including design guidance relevant to pulsed-radar applications. In order to accomplish this, detailed simulation models will be developed and used to explore the sinuous antenna design space. Additionally, designs will be physically realized in order to validate simulation models as well as perform actual GPR measurements. Two system implementations will be evaluated: traditional GPR setup with sinuous antenna(s) operating in the traditional balanced mode, and a single antenna approach where each arm is driven in a monopole mode. The first approach requires an understanding of sinuous antenna design and implementation e.g., feeding arrangement, dispersion, etc. However, the second will require the antenna be fed in an unbalanced manner which represents additional technical risks. Such an implementation will seek to provide increased co-polarized sensitivity when compared to a traditional single antenna implementation driven in a balanced manner.