Wideband dual-polarized high-efficiency transmitarray using isolated metal elements

Abstract

A wideband dual-polarized high-efficiency transmitarray antenna utilizing the isolated metal elements is proposed. First, a dual-polarized isolated metal element supported by a substrate frame is introduced. Each array element is isolated from adjacent elements by gaps. To realize the element, a substrate frame is used to completely fill the gaps and support the elements. As a result, the limitation of metal connections is overcome, and the transmitarray bandwidth is significantly enhanced. Based on equivalent circuit of the element, its wideband operating mechanism is revealed. Then, to reduce the manufacturing difficulties and costs while maintaining electrical performance, PCB technology is applied to the transmitarray fabrication, integrating the elements and the substrate frame. Finally, a wideband dual-polarized substrate-based metal transmitarray is designed, fabricated and measured. The measured results of the prototype indicate that its gain at the center frequency 10.2 GHz is 26.9 dBi, its 1-dB gain bandwidth is 23.4%, its efficiency is 56.1% and its lowest efficiency across the 1-dB gain bandwidth is 38% at 12.4 GHz. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a wideband two-layer substrate-based metal transmitarray has been proposed and implemented.