Leaky-Wave Antenna Designs in Microstrip and Waveguide Applications

Adrian Sutinjo

Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Calgary

Abstract:

Two leaky-wave antenna designs based on surface wave (SW) and a rectangular waveguide are presented. The first design concerns controlling the SW excited by a microstrip patch antenna, while the second design involves suppression of spurious radiation from a slitted waveguide leaky wave antenna.

In the first part of the talk, a holographic antenna inspired structure is used to control the surface wave (SW) excited by a microstrip antenna. Unlike the electromagnetic bandgap (EBG), the holographic structure is intended to provide radiative attenuation. In this design, the holographic approach is adapted for microstrip antenna applications. This is achieved by introducing dual phase-shifting metallic dipoles with periodic spacing. Using this technique, the SW is captured and re-radiated in a way that enhances the broadside radiation of the printed antenna while keeping radiation at the horizon low. I will show a systematic procedure to design structures of that type and will show validations of the design based on full-wave simulations and prototype measurements.

In the second part of the talk we will revisit a long standing problem of controlling modes excited in a slitted waveguide. I will show that transverse perturbations in the form of periodic slots in the narrow-wall can be employed to suppress the slot-mode radiation in a slitted waveguide thus allowing for pure leaky mode radiation. The presence of the perturbations alters the fast wave supported in an unperturbed slot to a slow wave. Slitted waveguides with and without perturbations are compared in full-wave simulations and in measurements. I will show that significant and consistent reduction of the slot-mode radiation is achieved with the perturbations.

 

Biography:

Adrian Sutinjo completed all requirements toward a PhD degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Calgary (UofC) in May 2009. Prior to entering the UofC, he worked in the industry from 1997 to 2004 as an RF Engineer at Murandi Communications in Calgary and Motorola, Inc. in the US. He received BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering in 1995 and 1997 from Iowa State University and Missouri University of Science Technology, respectively. He is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Calgary.