Ultra-wideband Vivaldi arrays for see-through-wall imaging radar applications

Two Vivaldi antenna arrays have been presented. First is an 8-element tapered slot array covering 1.2 to 4 GHz band for STW applications for brick/concrete wall imaging. Second is a 16-element antipodal array operating at 8 to 10.6 GHz for high resolution imaging when penetrating through dry wall. Based on the two designs, and utilizing a smooth wide band slot to microstrip transition to feed the Vivaldi antenna array, a 1–10 GHz frequency band can be covered. Alternatively, the design can be used in a reconfigurable structure to cover either a 1–3 GHz or 8–10 GHz band. Experimental and measured results have been completed and will be discussed in detail. The designs will significantly impact the development of compact reconfigurable and portable systems.