SKALA, a log-periodic array antenna for the SKA-low instrument: design, simulations, tests and system considerations

TL;DR

This paper presents the design, simulation, and testing of a wideband log-periodic antenna for the SKA-low telescope, emphasizing high sensitivity, low cross-polarization, and cost-effective deployment for large-scale radio astronomy.

Contribution

It introduces a novel ultra-wideband antenna design capable of covering 50-650MHz, optimized for SKA-low's demanding performance and deployment requirements.

Findings

Successful prototype development and testing.

Antenna covers 50-650MHz with high sensitivity.

Low cross-polarization and cost-effective design.

Abstract

The very demanding requirements of the SKA-low instrument call for a challenging antenna design capable of delivering excellence performance in radiation patterns, impedance matching, polarization purity, cost, longevity, etc. This paper is devoted to the development (design and test of first prototypes) of an active ultra-wideband antenna element for the low-frequency instrument of the SKA radio telescope. The antenna element and differential low noise amplifier described here were originally designed to cover the former SKA-low band (70-450MHz) but it is now aimed to cover the re-defined SKA-low band (50-350MHz) and furthermore the antenna is capable of performing up to 650MHz with the current design. The design is focused on maximum sensitivity in a wide field of view (+/- 45deg from zenith) and low cross-polarization ratios. Furthermore, the size and cost of the element has to be kept to a minimum as millions of these antennas will need to be deployed for the full SKA in very compact configurations. The primary focus of this paper is therefore to discuss various design implications for the SKA-low telescope.