Improving the performances of modulated metasurface antennas
Abstract
The research aims at improving the performances of modulated metasurface (MTS) antennas. In these structures, periodically modulated MTSs are used to gradually transform a surface (SW) into a leaky-wave (LW), thus realizing a LW antenna. The SW can be launched by a single monopole positioned at the center of a circular MTS. This configuration results in an extremely flat, cheap, and simple antenna, characterized by a great flexibility in terms of pattern shape and polarization, with tremendous advantages in some RF applications, especially from Ku to Ka band. The key element to be applied to improve the design of MTS antennas is the combination of a deeper theoretical understanding and a broader numerical assessment to overhaul the current design methodology. Such endeavor must take into consideration the most remarkable characteristic of modulated MTS: the huge number of degrees of freedom. Being brute-force optimization approaches totally ruled out, it is necessary to tame complexity with suitable theoretical models and to apply them to design methodologies. In particular, the following objectives are considered: improving bandwidth and achieving dual-frequency capabilities; improving tapering efficiency and amplitude control of the aperture field; improving polarization control; achieving multibeam design capability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 12, 2017
- Source ID
- W911NF1510528
Entities
People
- S. Maci
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of Siena