Diffraction analysis of line feeds for spherical reflectors

The diffraction limitations of the line feeds for spherical reflector antennas are analyzed by means of an asymptotic transition region theory (TRT). It is shown that diffraction from the ends of the line feed causes a broad 6-dB-deep central dip in the aperture field of the reflector. The corresponding reduction in aperture efficiency and increase in spillover are also calculated by means of the TRT. The accuracy of the theory is checked by numerical evaluations of the array sum expression for the radiation field and of the secondary aperture-field and spillover integrals. The results are applicable to the line feeds of the spherical reflector antenna of the Arecibo Observatory