Optimizing Cutoff Frequency in an Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna for GPR applications through a novel balun

Abstract

In this work, an ultra-bandwidth antenna (UWB) is proposed for applications in ground penetrating radar (GPR). A novel Vivaldi antipodal antenna (AVA) with elliptical slot at the edges (ESE) made with FR4 is presented. The antenna was optimized by adjusting the geometry of the tapers and modifying the shape of the balun, with these modifications a lower cutoff frequency (LCF) around 1.5 GHz is achieved. Results from reflection coefficients, radiation pattern and gain are presented. The overall design and electromagnetic simulation of the antenna are made with a a commercially avalaible simulator.