half-wave dipole antenna

A half-wave dipole antenna is a fundamental type of antenna used in electronics, particularly in radar systems. Its length is precisely half the wavelength of the radio waves it is designed to transmit or receive. While a single dipole is generally too broad for radar applications, they are often combined into phased-array antennas. These arrays use multiple dipoles to create a narrow, focused beam, which is crucial for accurately locating targets. The direction of the beam can be electronically controlled by adjusting the phase of the signals from each dipole, allowing for rapid changes in direction without mechanical movement.1