Low-Cost Lens Antenna Design for Microwave Moisture Detection

Abstract

In this study, a novel Vivaldi antenna with dimensions of 100 mm × 85 mm × 1.6 mm, designed for a moisture measurement system, is built to enhance the gain of conventional Vivaldi antennas in the low-frequency band to suit the needs of moisture detection. The fence structure and choke slot are modified to enhance the antenna’s radiation properties in the low-frequency band, and simulation is performed to determine how different structural parameters affect the antenna’s performance. The results show that in the frequency band of 5-6 GHz, the voltage standing-wave ratio (VSWR) of the antenna is less than 2, and the gain at 5.8 GHz reaches 16.2 dBi after installing the lens. Compared with conventional unmodified Vivaldi antennas, the gain at 5.8 GHz increases by approximately 6.11 dBi. The antenna is then processed and measured, and the measured results are in good agreement with the simulated results; hence, the antenna can be widely used in the field of moisture detection.