Antenna elements and array

Abstract

Antenna elements are described that may include a radiator, a feeding portion, a first impedance transformer, a balun, and a second impedance transformer. The first impedance transformer, balun, and second impedance transformer may be disposed above a ground plane of an antenna array to reduce a bulk of the array. The array can also include a dielectric top layer for loading apertures of the antenna array. The antenna elements can also include anomaly suppressors can be provided to cancel common-mode resonances from the radiators.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An antenna element, comprising:
 a radiator;   a feed portion coupled to the radiator; and   impedance matching network components disposed between the radiator and the feed portion, wherein the one or more impedance matching network components comprise:
 a first impedance transformer connected to the feed portion; 
 a balun connected to the first impedance transformer; and 
 a second impedance transformer between the balun and the radiator.