Comparison of Simulated and Measured Drift Scans for Broadband Dipole Antennas at Long Wavelength Array (LWA) Frequencies

The results of a recent effort to compare the sky noise power received by broadband dipole antennas at LWA frequencies as predicted by simulation and given by measurement are summarized. The simulation method, which combines results from a full-wave simulation of a given antenna design with a properly frequency-scaled all-sky map of radio continuum to generate predicted drift scans is first described. The measurement approach, which consists of conducting calibrated total power measurements of the antenna design over an extended period of time, is described. The measured and simulated drift scan results are then compared to determine the level of absolute agreement achieved between the two. Finally, conclusions are given.