Focal Plane Array Breadboard For Advanced Multiple Beam Radiometer Antennas

The detailed design and RF analysis of a breadboard made by 35 x-polarized and 32 y-polarized Vivaldi antennas, placed 0.67 wavelength from each other and located above a finite ground plane, are described. The breadboard constitutes a representative part of the feed array illuminating a conical scan or push-broom antenna for next generation microwave radiometers for ocean observation. The analysis are done at 6.9 GHz including mutual coupling between the elements, and in two commercial software, i.e. CST and the MoM add-on to GRASP.