Analysis of mesh reflector antennas with complex mesh surfaces using physical optics combined with periodic method of moments

In this paper, mesh reflector antennas with complex mesh reflecting surfaces are numerically analyzed by using the extended physical optics technique. Past method applies wire-grid or strip-aperture model to represent the local planar mesh surface on the curved reflector, which provides satisfactory results for cases of simple mesh wire structures. The method in this study applies the periodic method of moments with Rao, Wilton, and Glisson basis and testing functions, which simulates the current on realistic, complex shape of the planar mesh. Analysis for the mesh reflectors with two different mesh reflecting surfaces showed the difference in their far-field patterns especially in cross-polarization levels for circular polarization cases. This means that it is important to choose proper mesh weaving structure to obtain acceptable performance for mesh reflector antennas, and that this technique is useful in accurate performance prediction of mesh reflector antennas.