Frequency controlled beam scanning characteristic realized using a compact slow wave transmission line

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetics and Wave Propagation
• Antenna Engineering
• Microwave Integrated Circuits

Background:

• Beam scanning devices are crucial for modern communication systems.
• Existing designs often face limitations in size, scanning range, or complexity.
• A need exists for compact, wide-angle, and efficiently integrated beam scanning solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a simplified and compact structure for a frequency beam scanning device.
• To achieve a wide scanning angle covering backward to forward directions.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed design for planar integrated communication systems.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a hybrid waveguide combining spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP) transmission line and half-mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW).
• Implemented radiation characteristics using periodically modulated slots.
• Validated performance through both electromagnetic simulations and experimental measurements.

Main Results:

• Achieved a total scanning angle of 117° over a frequency range of 9-11.4 GHz.
• The compact structure measures only 139.2mm x 15mm.
• Obtained an average gain of approximately 6.5 dBi with no open stop band at broadside.

Conclusions:

• The proposed hybrid waveguide design offers a simple and compact solution for frequency beam scanning.
• The design demonstrates a wide scanning range and good gain, suitable for planar integrated systems.
• This advancement facilitates the development of next-generation communication technologies requiring efficient beam steering.