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A Metamaterial Surface Avoiding Loss from the Radome for a Millimeter-Wave Signal-Sensing Array Antenna
Inyeol Moon1,2, Woogon Kim1, Yejune Seo1
1Department of Information & Telecommunication Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 10, 2024
Summary
A novel metamaterial surface enhances radar systems by improving millimeter-wave signal transmission through radomes. This boosts antenna gain, overcoming signal attenuation for better long-range detection.
Area of Science:
- Electrical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Electromagnetics
Background:
- Radar systems require high-frequency bands and array antennas for extended range and resolution.
- Millimeter-wave (mmWave) bands offer denser antenna layouts and higher gain but suffer from radome-induced signal attenuation.
- Radomes are crucial for protecting radar antennas from environmental factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a metamaterial surface as a protective layer for radar antennas.
- To enable unimpeded millimeter-wave signal propagation through the radome.
- To enhance antenna gain by manipulating phase distribution of incident waves.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a metamaterial surface integrated with a 3D-printed jig and array antenna.
- Measurement of the S21 transfer coefficient using a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) with and without the metasurface.
- Far-field testing in an anechoic chamber to validate the design's performance.
Main Results:
- Bench tests demonstrated approximately a 7 dB increase in the S21 transfer coefficient.
- Anechoic chamber tests showed an approximate 5 dB improvement in antenna gain for a 24 GHz array antenna.
- The metamaterial surface effectively protected the antenna while maintaining signal integrity.
Conclusions:
- The proposed metamaterial surface successfully mitigates radome-related signal loss in millimeter-wave radar systems.
- This technology enhances antenna gain and overall radar performance.
- Metamaterial surfaces offer a viable solution for improving radar system efficiency and durability.
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