Propagation characteristics of arrayed transient electromagnetic pulses

Starting from the uniform disk current model, an analytical solution for the electromagnetic pulse axial energy radiation is derived and a physical meaning then given to the axial energy propagation characteristics of a unit antenna. From this solution, a point-source approximation model in the time domain is introduced. Parameters such as the energy propagation characteristics and beamwidth of the electromagnetic pulse beam radiating from arrayed antenna are analyzed theoretically. An arrayed transient electromagnetic pulse generator is developed incorporating a 23×16 ultra-wideband tapered slot antenna integrated with a Blumlein formation line and photoconductive semiconductor switch. Experiments performed over a 2.5 km range confirm that the arrayed transient electromagnetic pulse can propagate in free space with the specified waveform. Moreover, the field components can be superposed in phase, and the radiation beam can be focused into a single pulse. Results from calculations are in agreement with experimental results within the measurement uncertainties.