Design of a high gain Axial-mode helical antenna with a loaded plate

A high gain Axial-mode helical antenna with a loaded plate is proposed. A metal plate is inserted on the end of the helix as a loaded element to improve the gain of the proposed antenna without adding the number of turns. A prototype of the proposed antenna is manufactured according to the optimal results and measured. Compared with the traditional helical antennas, the results show that the gain of the helical antenna with a loaded plate can be enhanced obviously at the operating band without increasing the antenna axial length.