Electronic Beam-Scanning Antenna Based on a Reconfigurable Phase-Modulated Metasurface

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetics
• Antenna Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Metasurfaces (MSs) offer novel solutions for electromagnetic wave control.
• Traditional antennas face limitations in reconfigurability and beam steering.
• Planar antenna designs are crucial for compact and integrated systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design a directional, high-gain, reconfigurable planar antenna using a phase-modulated metasurface.
• To demonstrate beam steering capabilities by controlling the metasurface phase profiles.
• To validate the design through simulations and experimental measurements.

Main Methods:

• Integration of varactor diodes into metasurface meta-atoms for reconfigurability.
• Design and fabrication of a 5 GHz metasurface prototype.
• Application of bias voltages to control varactor diodes and metasurface phase characteristics.
• Numerical simulations and experimental far-field antenna measurements for validation.

Main Results:

• Achieved highly directive boresight radiation.
• Demonstrated steering of the main radiated beam to an off-normal direction.
• Validated the antenna performance through simulations and experimental measurements.

Conclusions:

• The proposed metasurface enables directive flat antennas with beam-scanning capabilities.
• Offers a solution without complex feeding systems or power-consuming phase shifters.
• Presents potential for next-generation antenna hardware.