Optimizing the Current Distribution in a Buried Linear Antenna

A solution is obtained to the problem of finding the current distribution in a buried linear antenna which minimizes the dissipated power while maintaining the required radiated field. An example shows that such distribution saves about 30 percent on power dissipation compared to an antenna of the same total length having simple bared-end grounding terminations. A practical method using current transformers is proposed for controlling the current distribution. A grounding system using this method has the property that it does not short out adjacent active antenna cables when it is in standby mode.