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Wideband end-fire antenna based on modulated grooved surface plasmon polaritons
Amitkumar Patel1, Aakash Bansal2, Chinthana Panagamuwa2
1Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK. a.patel2@lboro.ac.uk.
Scientific Reports
|July 11, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a new low-profile antenna using grooved spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) for 5G millimeter-wave communications. The novel design achieves a wide bandwidth and high gain, ideal for future wireless systems.
Area of Science:
- Electromagnetics and Wave Propagation
- Antenna Theory and Design
- Microwave Engineering
Background:
- Millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies are crucial for next-generation wireless communication systems like 5G.
- Existing antenna designs often face challenges with size, bandwidth, and directivity at mmWave frequencies.
- Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons (SSPPs) offer a promising technique for guiding and radiating electromagnetic waves at lower frequencies, adaptable for mmWave.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel low-profile, wideband end-fire antenna for 5G mmWave communication applications.
- To demonstrate the effectiveness of a groundless grooved SSPP technique for efficient mode conversion and radiation.
- To achieve a highly directional, zero-tilting beam in the end-fire direction with enhanced impedance matching.
Main Methods:
- Design and optimization of a linearly modulated grooved profile to convert bounded SSPP modes into radiation modes.
- Incorporation of a semi-curvilinear ground profile and stepped impedance transition for improved impedance matching.
- Utilizing the spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) technique on a groundless structure.
Main Results:
- Achieved a wide operational bandwidth from 22 GHz to 41 GHz, corresponding to a 62% fractional bandwidth (FBW).
- Obtained a peak gain of 13 dBi with a highly directional end-fire radiation pattern (zero tilting).
- The antenna structure is low-profile, measuring 5λ × 0.9λ × 0.016λ, making it lightweight and compact.
Conclusions:
- The proposed groundless grooved SSPP antenna offers a viable solution for high-performance mmWave communication systems.
- Its low-profile, wideband, and high-directivity characteristics make it suitable for integration into various 5G devices and infrastructure.
- The novel grooved profile effectively facilitates the conversion of SSPP modes to radiation modes, enabling efficient end-fire radiation.
