Axially Corrugated Feed Horn for the Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) Band-5 Receiver

This paper introduces a novel axially corrugated feed horn designed for the ngVLA Band-5 receiver, covering the 30–50 GHz range with potential adaptability to nearby bands. The horn features a circular waveguide with a flared throat and six precisely engineered quarter-wavelength corrugations. This structure achieves exceptional performance, including a return loss better than 25 dB and an average aperture efficiency of 95.5% across the full bandwidth. Measurements confirm the simulated results, validating the design. Compared to existing solutions, this feed horn offers a unique combination of wide bandwidth, high efficiency, and excellent signal fidelity in a compact, easily manufacturable form. These advancements address multiple challenges in radio astronomy receiver design, supporting the next generation of high-sensitivity telescopes like the ngVLA.