Compact loaded PIFA for multifrequency applications

A new multifrequency microstrip patch antenna is presented. The antenna can be considered a PIFA since it has a metallic wall on one of its sides. The different bands of operation are independent of each other, and different radiation patterns for each band can be achieved if desired. In addition, a circuital model is introduced to explain the operation of the antenna. This model presents some similarities with composite right left handed models presented in the literature. Some prototypes have been manufactured and measurements of return losses, efficiencies and radiation patterns, have been performed for a thorough characterization of the antenna as well as to validate the simulation results

Design Guidelines for Gap Waveguide Technology Based on Glide-Symmetric Holey Structures

The behavior of a glide-symmetric holey periodic structure as electromagnetic bandgap is studied in this letter. A number of numerical simulations have been carried out in order to define the importance of each constituent parameter of the unit cell. Our proposed structure finds potential application in antennas and circuits based on gap waveguide technology for the millimeter band. The experimental verifications confirm the effects previously analyzed with the numerical studies.This work was supported in part by the Spanish Government under Project TEC2013-44019-R and Project TEC2016-79700-C2-2-R and in part by the Madrid Regional Government under Project S2013/ICE-3000

Passband broadening ofsub-wavelength resonator-basedglide-symmetric SIW filters

Here, we discuss the virtues of glide symmetry for designing low-frequency band-pass periodic filters in substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology based on complementary split-ring resonators (CSRRs). Conventional (non-glide) versions of these filters have a narrow passband, due to the fact that this band is below the cutoff frequency of the background waveguide. When glide symmetry is added to the filter configuration, the low-frequency passband is significantly widened, as well as the first stopband. The dispersion properties of both conventional and glide-symmetric periodically loaded waveguides are analyzed and compared with commercial software and an equivalent circuit model. Finally, two prototypes of the proposed glide-symmetric structure have been designed and built, illustrating the potential of this technique to widen the passband and reduce insertion losses of conventional sub-wavelength CSRR-loaded SIW filters

Low-Dispersive Leaky-Wave Antennas for mmWave Point-to-Point High-Throughput Communications

In this article, we present two efficient leaky-wave antennas (LWAs) with stable radiation pattern, operating at 60 GHz. Both antennas exhibit attractive properties such as significantly reduced beam-squint, low loss, low sidelobes, high directivity, and simple manufacturing. The beam-squint of conventional LWAs is reduced by refracting the leaked waves in a dispersive lens and the low sidelobe levels are achieved by tapering the leakage rate along the aperture. Since the antennas are implemented in groove gap waveguide technology, the losses are low. The two antennas are different in terms of their asymmetric/symmetric leakage tapering with respect to the broadside direction. Both designs are optimized for low sidelobes, but since symmetry is enforced in one, the resulting performance in terms of sidelobes is suboptimal. However, in the symmetric design, multiple stable beams can be obtained, simultaneously or independently. Twenty percent bandwidth is obtained with less than ±0.5° beam-squint. In this frequency range, the gain is stable at 17 and 15 dBi for the asymmetric and symmetric designs, respectively. The designs are intended for point-to-point links in mmWave communication networks where low losses, directive beams, and low sidelobes are expected to be key features

Enhancing the efficiency of compact patch antennas composed of split ring resonators by using lumped capacitors

A new type of small patch antenna with low profile and enhanced radiation efficiency is proposed in this letter. The antenna is realized with a double layer of low-permittivity material (polypropylene, εr = 2.2). The lower layer is used for the feeding of the antenna, and split ring resonators (SRRs) are printed on top of the upper layer acting as radiating elements. The compactness is provided by shorting the rings to the ground plane with two metal pins. Although this antenna presented initially a dual band of operation, it has been demonstrated how the use of a lumped capacitor in the inner ring can increase the total radiation efficiency of the antenna performing a single-band response. Therefore, when the two original operation frequency bands coincide, a manufactured prototype of the antenna demonstrated a measured radiation efficiency of 73% that can be provided at the operation frequency of 1.29 GHz

Propagation characteristics of periodic structures possessing twist and polar glide symmetries

In this article, we provide an overview of the current state of the research in the area of twist symmetry. This symmetry is obtained by introducing multiple periods into the unit cell of a periodic structure through a rotation of consecutive periodic deformations around a symmetry axis. Attractive properties such as significantly reduced frequency dispersion and increased optical density, compared to purely periodic structures, are observed. The direct link between the symmetry order and these properties is illustrated through numerical simulations. Moreover, polar glide symmetry is introduced, and is shown to provide even further control of the dispersion properties of periodic structures, especially when combined with twist symmetry. Twist symmetries can, with benefit, be employed in the development of devices for future communication networks and space applications, where fully metallic structures with accurate control of the dispersion properties are desired

Mimicking glide-symmetry dispersion with coupled slot metasurfaces (article)

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from AIP Publishing via the DOI in this record.The dataset associated with this article is in ORE at http://hdl.handle.net/10871/29285In this Letter we demonstrate that the dispersion properties associated with glide symmetry can be achieved in systems that only possess reflection symmetry by balancing the influence of two sub-lattices. We apply this approach to a pair of coupled slots cut into an infinite perfectly conducting plane. Each slot is notched on either edge, with the complete two-slot system having only mirror symmetry. By modifying the relative size of the notches on either side of the slots, we show that a linear dispersion relation with a degeneracy with non-zero group velocity at the Brillouin zone boundary can be achieved. These properties, until now, only found in systems with glide symmetry are numerically and experimentally validated. We also show that these results can be used for the design of ultra-wideband one-dimensional leaky wave antennas in coplanar waveguide technology.The authors wish to acknowledge financial support from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) of the United Kingdom, via the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Metamaterials (Grant No. EP/L015331/1)

Twist and Glide Symmetries for Helix Antenna Design and Miniaturization

Here we propose the use of twist and glide symmetries to increase the equivalent refractive index in a helical guiding structure. Twist- and glide-symmetrical distributions are created with corrugations placed at both sides of a helical strip. Combined twist-and glide-symmetrical helical unit cells are studied in terms of their constituent parameters. The increase of the propagation constant is mainly controlled by the length of the corrugations. In our proposed helix antenna, twist and glide symmetry cells are used to reduce significantly the operational frequency compared with conventional helix antenna. Equivalently, for a given frequency of operation, the dimensions of helix are reduced with the use of higher symmetries. The theoretical results obtained for our proposed helical structure based on higher symmetries show a reduction of 42.2% in the antenna size maintaining a similar antenna performance when compared to conventional helix antennas.This research was funded by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades with European Union FEDER funds, grant number TIN2016-75097-P, and by Universidad de Granada, under the project PPJI2017.15. Also, this work has been partially supported by the Universidad de Granada through the grant program “Becas de iniciación a la investigación” from Plan Propio de Investigación