Steerable leaky wave antenna capable of both forward and backward radiation
AssigneeHRL Laboratories, LLC
InventorDaniel F. Sievenpiper
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Leaky wave antenna beam steering that is capable of steering in a backward direction, as well as further down toward the horizon in the forward direction than was previously possible, and also directly toward zenith. The disclosed antenna and method involve applying a non-uniform impedance function across a tunable impedance surface in order to obtain such leaky wave beam steering.
Claims16
A method for leaky wave beam steering of an antenna in a backward direction relative to a conventional forward direction of propagation of the antenna, the method comprising:
- (a) disposing the antenna on a tunable impedance surface;
- and
- (b) applying a non-uniform impedance function across the tunable impedance surface, which impedance function is periodic or nearly periodic, whereby surface waves in said tunable impedance surface are scattered into a direction that is determined by at least in part by said periodic or nearly periodic impedance function.
A steerable antenna having a desired propagation direction, said steerable antenna comprising:
- (a) a tunable impedance surface;
- (b) an antenna structure disposed on said tunable impedance surface, said antenna structure having a conventional forward direction of propagation when disposed on said tunable impedance surface when said surface has an uniform impedance pattern;
- and
- (c) wherein the impedance pattern of the tunable impedance surface assuming a cyclical pattern to steer the propagation direction of said steerable antenna.
A method for beam steering an antenna in a desired direction, the method comprising:
- (a) disposing the antenna on a tunable impedance surface;
- (b) launching a wave across the tunable impedance surface in response to driving the antenna;
- and
- (c) applying a cyclic impedance function across the tunable impedance surface whereby a wave which is launched across the surface in response to driving the antenna is scattered by said impedance function to said desired direction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.