Broad-band pulse performance of short helices

Helical antennas are popular and well characterized for CW frequency domain performance. Renewed interest in time-domain applications of electromagnetics, such as impulse radar, makes accurate time-domain data on broad-band antennas desirable. Although the principal endfire helix radiation mode has been extensively studied in the frequency domain, other modes important in pulse operation are poorly characterized, making a total Fourier transform approach difficult. We have performed impulse tests on helices with two to five turns, establishing novel features of the response and confirming some aspects of frequency domain data. Quick comparisons to time and frequency-domain modeling codes indicate good correspondence of gross features. Successful octave band-pulse operation was achieved, and a few features of helix pulse response invite further investigation