Wide Angle Scanning Circular Polarized Meta-Structured Antenna Array

Abstract

This paper presents a meta-structured circular polarized array antenna with wide scan angle. In order to widen the scanning angle of array antennas, this paper investigates unit antenna beamwidth and the coupling effects between array elements, both of which directly affect the steering performance. As a result, the optimal array distance, the mode configuration, and the antenna structure are elucidated. By using the features of the miniaturized mu-zero resonance (MZR) antenna, it is possible to design the antenna at optimum array distance for wide beamwidth. In addition, by modifying via position and gap configuration of the antenna, it is possible to optimize the mode configuration for optimal isolation. Finally, the 3 dB steerable angle of 66 degrees is successfully demonstrated using a 1x8 MZR CP antenna array without any additional decoupling structure. The measured beam patterns at a scan angle of 0 degrees , 22 degrees , 44 degrees, and 66 degrees agree well with the simulated beam patterns.