What appears to be the world鈥檚 first electronic sunflower is actually
a radar or communications antenna designed to reduce the amount of interference
around its edge. Standard round antennas scatter signals when the electric
field drops suddenly to zero at the edge of the dish. The petal pattern
of the new dish, developed by Edward Joy of the Georgia Institute of Technology
in Atlanta, reduces the interference caused by scattering by tapering the
strength of the signal鈥檚 electric field at the edge of the antenna.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Test moderators use AI-generated writing to judge literacy standards
News
Mind
THC in cannabis may reduce nightmares in people with PTSD
News
Environment
Fishers detonate a bomb every hour on one Indonesian coral reef
News
Environment
How bad is the UK drought and how long will it continue?
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles