Terahertz beamforming network with a nonuniform contour

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetics and Optics
• Antenna Theory and Design
• Terahertz Technology

Background:

• Terahertz (THz) beamforming networks are crucial for advanced applications but face challenges with phase error and limited scan angles.
• Existing designs often struggle to achieve wide-angle beam steering efficiently, hindering practical implementation in areas like sensing and imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel terahertz beamforming network utilizing a nonlocal lens and leaky-wave antennas.
• To demonstrate a 2D beam-scanning capability with significantly reduced phase error over a broad scan range.
• To introduce a new design methodology employing unconventional optimization parameters for improved beamformer performance.

Main Methods:

• A nonlocal lens design is implemented for the beamforming network.
• A nonuniform contour defined by Fourier series expansion is used as a novel optimization parameter.
• Leaky-wave antennas are employed to achieve 2D beam scanning.

Main Results:

• The proposed methodology significantly reduces phase error compared to previous works.
• An extensive 2D scanning range is achieved: -68° to 0° (elevation) and -45° to +45° (azimuth).
• The system operates effectively over the frequency range of 140-180 GHz.

Conclusions:

• The developed terahertz beamforming network offers superior performance in terms of phase error reduction and scan angle.
• This technology is well-suited for industrial and security applications, including automotive radar sensors and electromagnetic THz imaging.
• The novel optimization approach using Fourier series expansion represents a significant advancement in beamformer design.