volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

A novel beam scanning microstrip leaky wave antenna based on liquid crystal material is proposed in this paper. Based on the dielectric anisotropy of the liquid crystal, the main beam angle of the antenna pattern can be easily adjusted with the changing of external bias voltages. Good agreement between simulated and measured results is found for the presented leaky wave antenna. Both the simulation and test frequencies of the antenna are set at 12 GHz. Besides, the measured data show that when the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal changes from 2.4 to 2.52, about 10 degrees tuning range of the main beam angle is achieved.

1. Saraswat, R. K. and M. Kumar, "A frequency band reconfigurable UWB antenna for high gain applications," Progress In Electromagnetics Research B, Vol. 64, 29-45, 2015.
doi:10.2528/PIERB15090103 Google Scholar

2. Saraswat, R. K. and M. Kumar, "Miniaturized slotted ground UWB antenna loaded with metamaterial for WLAN and WiMAX applications," Progress In Electromagnetics Research B, Vol. 65, 65-80, 2016.
doi:10.2528/PIERB15112703 Google Scholar

3. Scattone, F., M. Ettorre, B. Eddo, R. Sauleau, and N. J. G. Fonseca, "Truncated leaky-wave antenna with cosecant-squared radiation pattern," IEEE Antennas Wireless Propag. Lett., Vol. 17, No. 5, 841-844, 2018.
doi:10.1109/LAWP.2018.2818668 Google Scholar

4. Ma, S., F.-L. Zhang, F.-Y. Meng, and Q.Wu, "Electrically controlled leaky wave antenna with wide-angle scanning based on liquid crystal," IEEE International Conference on Electronic Information and Communication Technology, 603-605, 2016. Google Scholar

5. Nose, T., Y. Ito, T. Iisaka, et al. "High-frequency performance extending to millimeter-waves in inverted-microstrip-line-type LC phase shifter," Emerging Liquid Crystal Technologies Viii, Vol. 8642, 2013. Google Scholar

6. Follmann, R., D. Kother, M. A. Campo, et al. "Liquid-Sky-A tunable liquid crystal filter for space applications," Antennas and Propagation in Wireless Communications (APWC), 2013 IEEE-APS Topical Conference on IEEE, 90-93, 2013.
doi:10.1109/APWC.2013.6624872 Google Scholar

7. Luxey, C. and J. M. Latheurte, "Simple design of dual-beam leaky-wave antennas in microstrips," IEE Proceedings --- Microwaves, Antennas and Propagation, Vol. 144, No. 6, 397-402, 1997.
doi:10.1049/ip-map:19971407 Google Scholar

8. Henry, R. and M. Okoniewski, "A broadside scanning substrate integrated waveguide periodic phase-reversal leaky-wave antenna," IEEE Antennas Wireless Propag. Lett., Vol. 15, 602-605, 2016.
doi:10.1109/LAWP.2015.2462733 Google Scholar

9. Yau, D., N. V. Shuley, and L. O. McMillan, "Characteristics of microstrip leaky wave antenna using the method of moments," IEEE Proc. Microw. Antennas Propag., Vol. 146, No. 5, 324-328, October 1999.
doi:10.1049/ip-map:19990611 Google Scholar

10. Yazdanpanahi, M., S. Bulja, D. Mirshekar-Syahkal, et al. "Measurement of dielectric constants of nematic liquid crystals at mm-wave frequencies using patch resonator," IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation & Measurement, Vol. 59, No. 12, 3079-3085, 2010.
doi:10.1109/TIM.2010.2062910 Google Scholar

Dr. Chunyang Pan

Dr. Ziyuan He

Dr. Yaling Liu