Field probe for measuring both amplitude and phase of antenna radiation patterns

Small probe antennas are often used for measuring the amplitude and phase of antenna radiation patterns. Phase measurements are complicated by the need for an accurate r.f. phase reference to be conveyed to or from the mobile probe. The letter describes a scheme for simplifying such measurements by the use of a probe unit which backscatters incident energy after subjecting it to a single sideband frequency translation. The scheme has application to both compact ranges and to the measurement of profile errors in reflector antennas by phase measurements within the aperture plane.