A lecture is given which shows how the evolution of a guided wave on a transmission line eventually leads into a device that can act as a wave launcher or antenna. A series of lectures are then given introducing the various classes and types of antennas. Performance parameters such as input impedance, radiation patterns, directivity, gain, polarization, and efficiency are then discussed. Examples and pictures of many antennas and their respective patterns are shown as part of these lectures. Next, extensive lectures are given which describe definitions and antenna parameters in detail.
Much time is spent on how to visualize radiation patterns and beamwidth.
Derivations are carried out for directivity and gain adhering to IEEE standard definitions. Theorems are discussed on the subject of reciprocity and how it can be related to practical measurements of patterns. Another lecture deals with the subject of antenna polarization and cross-polarization. Link analysis is discussed for communication systems and real-world examples are given for its use. The second half of the course involves extensive study of various types of antennas including center-fed dipoles, monopoles, loops, phased arrays, broadband antennas, Yagi antennas, traveling wave antennas, frequency antennas, and aperture antennas.