Miniaturized Vivaldi antenna for moist estimation in masonry walls

Abstract

The paper comprises a design of miniaturized tapered-slot Vivaldi antenna (TSA), intended to be used in microwave systems for evaluation of moist content in masonry materials and walls.Similarly to Trough-the-Wall sensing systems and Ground Penetrating Radars, they are intended to operate in very complex media for propagation of EM wave. Vivaldi antennas seems to be an ideal solution for this type of applications. The paper covers whole design process of the antenna, from a concept to the modified version, which fulfills requirements for small size and maximal bandwidth equal to 1,6-10 GHz. Additionally the measurements results comparing the designed antenna and SAS-571 double-ridge horn reference antenna are presented. The results analysis has confirmed applicability of the designed Vivaldi antenna in moist estimation of building materials and allows defining further investigations.