The Poynting Vector Antenna

The Poynting Vector Antenna is the first practical antenna since the design of the Hertz antenna about 125 years ago. Therefore, this book represents a paradigm shift in antenna technology. It gives theoretical explanations and practical examples which underpin the engineering basis of this new and unique antenna, which is a radical departure from the conventional Hertz antenna. The evolution of this antenna concept is presented as well as simple examples that may be readily copied, and finally what the authors believe to be the ultimate physical configuration in the shape of a Flute. The theoretical explanation of Radiation Resistance and other new Physics concepts are presented. This includes suggested changes to Maxwell’s equations. No other antenna has achieved high performance in a small size. The EH Antenna performs very well at any size between 1 and 5% of a wavelength. The technology is based on the concept that the E and H fields are developed simultaneously and have the correct physical relationship to satisfy the Poynting theorem. Therefore, radiation occurs at the antenna rather than at a far field distance. Some features of the antenna are: • Small size • High efficiency • Low Q • Isotropic radiation pattern • Spherical Polarization • E and H fields are contained within the diameter of the antenna, thus low EMI • Low noise receiving antenna • Ends Chu-Wheeler limit

The Poynting Theorem states that radiation is a product of the Electric (E) and Magnetic (H) fields of an antenna. The fields must occur simultaneously and have the proper curvature. This is accomplished in the Poynting antenna. A conceptual antenna has two hollow cylinders. A tuning coil resonates with the capacity between the two cylinders, thus developing a high voltage between the cylinders which creates the E field. The cylinders are very short with applied voltage on one end and open on the other. This allows RF current to flow on the cylinder which creates the H field. The two fields are in time phase and are orthogonal, thus satisfying the Poynting Theorem. The shape of the antenna may vary from two flat plates to a Flute configuration, and virtually any shape between. The significance of the Flute is that the shape follows a cosine function allowing both fields to be active along the length of the antenna. The Flute antenna may be tuned (simply by varying the inductance of the tuning coil) over a wide range. One of these has a total length of four (4) feet and may be tuned from 2.5 to 25 MHz with high efficiency (loss of less than 1 dB at the lowest frequency). The +/- 3 dB bandwidth is nominally one tenth (0.1) the operating frequency. Thus Q=10. The radiation pattern is isotropic and the polarization is spherical. This virtually eliminates fading due to Faraday rotation for HF communications, and at VHF frequencies prevents nulls due to multiple reflections from large buildings. The optimum size of the antenna is typically 3% of a wavelength, but may be less if wide bandwidth is not a design criterion. Because the radiation pattern is isotropic and radiation occurs at the antenna, two (2) or more Poynting Vector antennas may be used to form a directional array while the individual antennas are not affected by mutual coupling of the H fields. The text of the book presents new physics concepts including a mathematical description of Radiation Resistance and suggested changes to Maxwell’s Equations. The book will be useful to every Ham operator, all Antenna Engineers, and every person concerned with Physics. Because this is a paradigm shift in antenna technology, the book is an excellent text for a graduate level antenna course.

Ted Hart has been an avid antenna experimenter for many years. His first antenna was a wire attached to a crystal set receiver circa 1940. He became a licensed amateur radio operator in 1948 (W5QJR) and is still active and has continued his antenna experiments.

This book describes the Poynting Vector Antenna (PVA), which is the ultimate communications antenna, except for directional beams, and then two or more Poynting Vector Antennas in a non interactive phased array can provide that directivity. Circa 1988, Professor Hately and his colleagues published a paper in Electronics magazine describing the Crossed Field Antenna. Hart then began to exchange information with Professor Hately but in applying this information he was unsuccessful in causing a large model of the crossed field antenna to achieve the desired level of radiation. He then decided there must be a better way.

The PVA is not conventional and, in fact, it is most gratifying to know that patent (US 6486846) was granted on the concept rather than a specific implementation. After 40 years in industry Ted retired  and devoted time to the development of the PVA. Now that the book is compete and both Hart and Birke are convinced that this is the ultimate antenna, no more experiments, analysis or development is deemed fruitful. An HF version (only 4 feet in length) is used for Ham communications on 160 thru 20 meters.  

Paul Birke is the coauthor of the book and brings exceptional applied mathematics and field theory to complement Ted's experimental efforts. They met on the internet. Paul retired after being an Engineer with Westinghouse and ABB in Canada where he received numerous awards for applying his talents to the development of transformers and high voltage power line controls. He got his Ham license after retirement.

In the book Paul presents an original mathematical explanation that defines radiation Resistance. There are numerous other physics concepts presented as well as suggested revisions to Maxwell's Equations. Throughout the book Paul uses math to ensure that the concepts are fundamental and detailed. Special computer progrms were used to allow a "view" of the  fields of the antnena.  The analytical analysis of the Poynting Vector Antenna completes the development of the antenna.

Becasue of the details and completness of the book, it has consumed 4 years of effort by Ted and Paul and was releaed in July 2016.