Beam Steerable Half Mode SIW Leaky-Wave Antenna Using FPMS

Abstract

A novel leaky wave antenna (LWA) with integrated field-programmable microwave substrate (FPMS) unit cells is presented in this article. The proposed antenna consists of a Half Mode Substrate Waveguide (HMSIW), loaded with cross-shaped slots to generate the desired phase response and radiation characteristics. Using the agile FPMS technology, the substrate properties along one of the longitudinal edges of the antenna are varied, which allows the steering of the radiation direction at a single frequency. A total of 70-unit cells are integrated with the antenna at 12 GHz, resulting in a maximum beam steering of 72 $^\circ $ in simulations along the elevation. Experimental results of the fabricated prototype also demonstrate the practical viability of the proposed design concept with a total beam steering of 35°. The design presented in this research serves as a proof-of-concept, setting the stage for forthcoming advancements and refinements in the field of smart antenna systems using FPMS.