Image line surface wave antenna

The image line surface wave antenna consists of a two dimensional array of slots in a ground plane which are excited by a surface wave. The surface wave is guided over the plane in a non-radiating transmission mode by a thin filament of dielectric. The currents in the transmission mode drive the slots which can be so placed and oriented as to offer complete control of the illumination function of the array in both phase and amplitude. As a consequence, almost any antenna pattern shape can be produced. The array is inherently flush mountable and can make a radome unnecessary. Because a single mode drives all the slots, a power dividing and phasing network is not required.