ELECTRICALLY-SMALL, SUPERCONDUCTING ANTENNAS
Abstract
The advantages and limitations of electrically-small, superconducting antennas were investigated. The study led to a consideration of miniaturization, physical shape factors, long range magnetic coupling, maximum signal levels, antenna-receiver interface problems, materials, structures, and potential antenna applications of the quantum effects in superconductors. In addition, natural cooling and superdirectivity were incidental but relevant topics. In general, it was found that the possibility for miniaturization represents the principal advantage of the superconducting antenna, especially at the lower frequencies where antennas often are electrically-small through physical necessity. Radiation efficiency is increased in transmitting antennas, but at the expense of bandwidth. The degree of usefulness of superconductivity in receiving antennas depends considerably on the low noise properties and input impedance of the receiver and on the environment of the antenna. Any cooling improves the performance of the antenna; in fact, except in the case of the perfect receiver, there is some question as to which is more effective, the low temperature or the superconducting mode.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0657376
Entities
People
- Bernhard M. Schmidt