Ultra-Short Horn Antennas via Digital Choke and Groove Aperture Topologies

The pursuit of compact antennas has historically sacrificed directivity. Traditionally, solutions involve adding radiators, complex lenses or enlarging the antenna, which often introduces spurious lobes or increases system height. This study investigates a digital choke and groove aperture technology, employing recessed slots and protruded chokes, to optimize directivity and shape lobes in ultra-short horns. Through analysis and experiments, we assess the antenna's gain, volume efficiency, bandwidth, and lobe suppression. Our findings offer insights into applications and lay the groundwork for further advancements in ultra-low-profile digital aperture topologies for ultra-short horns.