Characteristics of Helical Antennas Radiating in the Axial Mode

A helix is a fundamental form of antenna with many radiation modes. A recently reported mode, called an axial or beam mode, occurs for a relatively wide range of helix dimensions, in the region of 0.2 to 0.5 wave-lengths diameter and as high as 0.5 wave-lengths spacing between turns. The radiation is maximum in the direction of the helix axis and is nearly circularly polarized. This mode may persist with a given helix over a considerable frequency range. In this range the phase velocity of wave propagation along the helical conductor is reduced. An approximate expression for the field pattern of a single turn helix is developed. The pattern of a helix of a number of turns is then calculated as an array of such turns. Measured and calculated patterns show good agreement.