An approximate but accurate analysis of the dielectric wedge antenna fed by a slab waveguide using the local mode theory and Schelkunoff equivalence principle

A computationally efficient method to obtain design parameters for tapered radiators is presented. The method uses a local mode theory in conjunction with the Schelkunoff equivalence principle. Radiation patterns of directive gain for dielectric wedge antennas of varying lengths and different dielectric constants are presented. Both the TE and TM cases are considered. The method is validated by comparison with data obtained from a recently developed more rigorous mode-matching method. Excellent agreement is obtained over the physically important angular range from endfire to broadside for the TE case and over the angular range spanned by the major lobe for the TM case.