Dielectric-supported antenna

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention is not limited to axially symmetric coaxial antenna configurations.
The principal component is a body of dielectric foam material with an external surface in the form of an antenna reflector.
When such a surface is covered by a layer of electrically conducting material, it forms a microwave reflector analogous to a back-surface mirror.
The surface of the foam body shapes and supports the reflector thus formed, and occupies space between it and other antenna components.
No other structure is required to hold such a reflector at its proper location relative to a device for transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves.
The foam body has low dielectric loss and a low dielectric constant, so there is very little change in the amplitude or direction of electromagnetic waves passing through it.
The geometry of the antenna system differs very little from that of a conventional system with air in front of the reflector.
No spider legs or other dielectric discontinuities clutter the reflector aperture.
The form and dimensions of the dielectric body maintain the required positions of the reflector and electromagnetic wave transmitting or receiving device relative to each other.
The advantages of the invention are light weight and economy of manufacture.
The dielectric body can be molded at low cost.
Its size and shape ensure precise placement of the reflector and a horn or other component associated with an electromagnetic wave transmitting or receiving device in contact with its external surfaces.
No special skills are required for assembly.