Genetic algorithm optimization of a multisectional corrugated conical horn antenna.

This paper presents the design of a wideband corrugated multisectional conical horn using a genetic algorithm (GA). The GA optimizes the length, flare angle, and first slot depth of each section of the horn in order to match the admittance, reduce the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of the horn, and generate the desired pattern. A VSWR of less than 1.6 is obtained over the frequency range 11–18 GHz. The optimized multisectional conical horn antenna has four sections, is less than 7λ long, and has very low sidelobe levels. The ratio between ratio between the co-polarization and the cross-polarization patterns is greater than 60 dB. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 38: 352–356, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11058 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]