Precision experimental characterization of the scattering and radiation properties of antennas

An accurate and simple experimental technique to characterize the scattering and radiation properties of antennas has been developed. The structural scattering constant is determined by the relative amplitude and phase of the radar cross section (RCS) of the antenna. The antenna gain can also be readily obtained from this information and from an absolute calibration for the echo amplitude. In comparison with other methods this phase-distinction technique is considered more convenient to use and is more accurate for antennas with a structural constant approaching unity.