A diagnostic technique used to obtain cross-range radiation centers from antenna patterns

A diagnostic technique for obtaining cross-range radiation centers based on antenna radiation patterns is presented. The method is similar to the synthetic aperture processing of scattered fields normally associated with radar applications; however, in this case it is applied to evaluate antenna radiation pattern performance. Coherence processing of the radiated fields is used to determine the various radiation centers associated with the far-zone pattern of an antenna for a given radiation direction. The technique can be used to identify an unexpected radiation center that creates an undesired effect in a pattern. It can also be used to improve a numerical simulation of the pattern by identifying other significant mechanisms. Cross-range results for two 8-ft-diameter reflector antennas are presented to illustrate as well as validate this technique