Ka-band complementary reflector backed slot antenna array for soil moisture radiometer

This paper presents a high gain 4×4 slot antenna array designed to operate in Ka-band (in this case 35-40 GHz) as a soil moisture radiometer. Simulation result with measurement are presented for the slot antenna array. The main hind sight of a slot antenna is the radiated back lobe which can be improved using a reflector. A complementary patch array reflector is used to suppress back lobe radiation in simulation. Comparison of simulation as well as measurement with and without back-reflectors are discussed. Radiation patterns and different side lobe levels for different frequencies are justified.