Single-layer multi-via loaded CRLH leaky-wave antennas for wide-angle beam scanning with consistent gain

Achieving continuous backward-to-forward wide-angle beam scanning with consistent gain by employing composite right/left-handed (CRLH) leaky-wave antennas (LWAs) is reported. For structural and design simplicity, a single-layer one-dimensional structure is considered in which each unit cell consists of a patch shorted centrally to the ground plane. It was found that, when using only one via at the center of a unit cell, a continuous beam scan requires a large-diameter via when all other parameters remain unchanged. To eliminate this limitation while maintaining a single-layer structure, novel unit cells are proposed using multiple vias in each unit cell. An LWA design for continuous beam scan with three vias in each unit cell is investigated, and the results show good performance and design flexibility. A prototype antenna has been realized, and the measured results show that the antenna can scan the radiation beam continuously in a wide range, from -60° to +66° with a consistent gain. The measured gain variation within the scan range is only 2.9 dB, and the 3 dB gain bandwidth is 58.6%.