Dual-beam microstrip leaky-wave array excited by aperture-coupling method

Abstract

This paper describes the design of the microstrip leaky-wave array excited by the aperture-coupling technique. The microstrip first higher order leaky mode is employed as the radiation source. Separating the radiators from other components with the ground planes provides optimal design of radiators and others so that the inherent broadband, high gain and frequency-scanning properties of the leaky-wave antenna can be exploited. Four kinds of feeding arrangements to excite dual beams are experimented in K band. Markedly reducing the required elements than patch-array for high gain design can simplify complexity of the feeding layout. Versatile designs combining the merits of multilayer technology offer simplicity and efficient design for practical wireless applications.