Impedance measurement of a dipole above a periodically structured reflective surface

The impedance of a horizontal dipole antenna placed closely above a periodically structured reflective surface was determined. In order to characterize the antenna directly at its feed point, a measurement technique is suggested where the influence of the feed network is eliminated. Implications of the reflective surface on the dipole impedance are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the radiation pattern and the total efficiency of a low-profile dipole are investigated quantitatively.