Fast Analysis of Stop-Band FSS Integrated with Phased Array Antennas

This paper presents a method for the efficient analysis of multilayer frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) integrated with phased array of open-ended waveguides. The method is based on the assumption that all the periodic surfaces are arranged on the same spatial lattice (of arbitrary shape). The whole structure is represented as an equivalent multi-mode transmission line network, where each interface is characterized by an equivalent Generalized Scattering Matrix (GSM), computed through a fullwave analysis. To reduce the computational effort of the analysis a fast adaptive interpolation algorithm for the scattering matrix entries is included

Fringe integral equation method for a truncated grounded dielectric slab

The problem of scattering by a semi-infinite grounded dielectric slab illuminated by an arbitrary incident TM z polarized electric field is studied by solving a new set of "fringe" integral equations (F-IEs), whose functional unknowns are physically associated to the wave diffraction processes occuring at the truncation. The F-IEs are obtained by subtracting from the surface/surface integral equations pertinent to the truncated slab, an auxiliary set of equations obtained for the canonical problem of an infinite grounded slab illuminated by the same source. The F-IEs are solved by the method of moments by using a set of subdomain basis functions close to the truncation and semi-infinite domain basis functions far from it. These latter functions are properly shaped to reproduce the asymptotic behaviour of the diffracted waves, which is obtained by physical inspection. The present solution is applied to the case of an electric line source located at the air-dielectric interface of the slab. Numerical results are compared with those calculated by a physical optics approach and by an alternative solution, in which the integral equation is constructed from the field continuity through an aperture orthogonal to the slab. The applications of the solution to an array of line currents are also presented and discussed

Leaky-wave slot array antenna fed by a dual reflector system

This work proposes a leaky-wave slot array antenna fed by a dual offset Gregorian reflector system realized by pins in a parallel plate waveguide. The radiating part of the antenna is composed by parallel slots etched on one side of the same parallel plate waveguide. The dual offset Gregorian reflector system is fed by an arrangement constituted by two vias and a grid, also constituted by pins. A prototype of the antenna has been designed, manufactured and successfully tested. The low profile, low cost and high efficiency of the antenna render it suited for a variety of radar or telecom applications

Dual-mode hyperbolicity, supercanalization, and leakage in self-complementary metasurfaces

Anisotropic Self-Complementary Metasurfaces (SC-MTSs) are structures constituted by an alternation of complementary inductive and capacitive strips, which are "self-dual" according to Babinet's duality principle. They support the propagation of two orthogonally polarized surface-wave modes with the same phase velocity along the principal directions (i.e., along the strips and normal to them). The isofrequency dispersion curves of these modes are hyperbolas, and therefore, these MTSs fall in the category of hyperbolic MTSs. It is shown here that the hyperbolic dispersion curves may degenerate in same cases into almost straight lines, which implies that the velocity of energy transport is constantly directed along the same direction for any possible phasing orthogonal to the strips. In this circumstance, the SC-MTS can be conveniently used to design dual-polarized leaky-wave antennas by modulating the impedances of the complementary strips

Problem-matched basis functions for microstrip coupled slot antennas based on Transmission Line Green's Functions (TLGF)

Problem matched basis functions are proposed for the method of moments analysis of printed slot coupled microstrips. The appropriate equivalent currents of the integral equation kernel are represented in terms of two sets of entire domain basis functions. These functions synthesize on one hand the resonant behavior of slots, microstrips or dipoles and on the other hand the field in proximity of the feeding source and of the discontinuities. In order to define these basis functions, canonical geometries are identified, whose Green's functions have been found in semi-analytical form. The accuracy and the effectiveness of the method in terms of convergence rate and number of unknowns is demonstrated by comparison with a standard fine meshing full-wave analysis. The method is extremely convenient for large arrays, where the subwavelength details should be treated together with large global dimensions. Since the proposed solution is independent of the dimensions of these details, it provides dramatic reduction of the number of unknowns and improvement of condition number

3-D Printed All-Dielectric GRIN Lens Antenna With an Integrated Feeder

In this paper we present the design, fabrication, and experimental verification of a new type of Graded-index (GRIN) lens antenna with an integrated feeder. The continuously varying refractive index distribution is chosen appropriately to offer the rays collimation at the lens aperture. It is practically implemented by varying the material density in a host medium, thus realizing a new type of all-dielectric high gain antenna, entirely using 3D printing. This solution can find application to high gain wireless communication and measurement systems. This GRIN lens antenna is printed in one monolithic process and does not require the feeder to be placed at a focal distance, thus complying with more strict space requirements. It accepts interchangeable feeds that can cover a wide frequency range. The directivity and gain are evaluated using near-field measurements in the Ku-band. A 40% measured aperture efficiency is achieved at 14GHz. The challenges and performance limitations that come with 3D printing, as compared to the design of idealized continuous distribution GRIN lenses are discussed

Alternative derivation of electromagnetic cloaks and concentrators

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Acquatina Lagoon: a model ecosystem to study community patterns

Acquatina is a small lagoon ecosystem (0.45 km2) located on the Adriatic coast only 5 km north of Lecce (Italy). The lagoon has a freshwater input in the northern part and a connection with the sea at the south edge, being characterised by a latitudinal gradient of salinity and an internal patchiness of habitats. Here, we have used the lagoons as a model to study the influence of these sources of variation on the spatial distribution of macrobenthis and fish fauna, using both taxonomic and on taxonomic descriptors. Results showed a non random distribution of both species and functional traits of macroinvertebrate and fish fauna within the lagoon, despite the relatively small surface area. Salinity had an higher inflence than boItom habitat patchiness on both macroinvertebrates and fishes; moreover, spatial co-variance of the two guilds was observed both at the taxonomic and at the size level. As regards fishes, these patterns were common to the dominant species (Atherina Boyeri) and to the rest of the fish guild. Results emphasise that common non random distribution patterns are observed even in small lagoons and for different guilds, including vagile fauna, as fish are. It suggest the occurrence of high intra-specific and inter-specific divergence in lagoon ecosystem allowing resource use optimisation through niche specialisation, available energy partitioning and individual energy budget adaptation