Radiation Pattern

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Radiation Pattern

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A graphical representation of the radiation of an antenna as a function of direction. Cross sections in which radiation patterns are frequently given are vertical planes and the horizontal plane, or the principal electric and magnetic polarization planes. Also called antenna pattern, lobe pattern, coverage diagram. </dd>
Two types of radiation patterns should be distinguished. They are: (a) the free-space radiation pattern which is the complete lobe pattern of the antenna and is a function of the wavelength, feed system, and reflector characteristics, and (b) the field radiation pattern which differs primarily from the free-space pattern by the formation of interference lobes whenever direct and reflected wave trains interfere with each other as is found in most surface-based radars. The envelope of these interference lobes has the same shape, but, for a perfectly reflecting surface, it has up to twice the amplitude of the free-space radiation pattern. </dd>

References

This article is based on NASA's Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use