Programmable omega-based complex medium for beam steering applications
ISSN: 0332-1649
Article publication date: 7 November 2016
Abstract
Purpose
Metamaterials have been utilised in several exciting configurations such as tuneable reflectors, reconfigurable absorbers, and programmable modulators, triggering intense research efforts. Among them, the ability to steer the radiation pattern of a single antenna component by employing a metamaterial-based superstrate is considered crucial for the development of advanced beam forming applications. The purpose of this paper is to introduce an adjustable omega-inspired metamaterial module to facilitate the design of beam steering implementations, involving beam forming capabilities, as well.
Design/methodology/approach
A variable capacitive diode is properly positioned at the novel omega element, hence advancing the controllability of its electromagnetic performance and circumventing the requirement of extra bias networks. When an array of these particles is placed in front of an antenna, several negative refractive index profiles can be realised, allowing the manipulation of the beam direction. Furthermore, a pyramidal horn antenna, loaded with this complex medium superstrate, is thoroughly investigated in terms of programmable beam steering and beam forming attributes. Several numerical data derived via the finite element method unveil the merits of the featured configuration.
Findings
The proposed structure allows programmability of the electromagnetic behaviour, but also circumvents the necessity of complicated bias networks, while minimising interference. The numerical assessment of a standard gain pyramidal horn antenna, associated to the featured metamaterial superstrate, sufficiently proves the controllable beam steering and beam forming attributes. Several parametric studies clarify the principal characteristics of the proposed setup, facilitating the design of high-end systems.
Originality/value
Development of tuneable metamaterial, which utilises variable capacitive diodes to enable controllability. Incorporation of reconfigurable metamaterials into antenna technology. Design of a pyramidal horn antenna, loaded with a complex medium superstrate exhibiting programmable beam steering and beam forming attributes. The proposed device circumvents the necessity of complicated bias networks, while minimising interference.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research has been cofinanced by the European Union (European Social Fund − ESF) and Greek national funds through the Operational Program “Education and Lifelong Learning” of the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) − Research Funding Program: Aristeia I. Investing in knowledge society through the European Social Fund.
Citation
Christodoulou, M.G., Lalas, A.X., Kantartzis, N.V. and Tsiboukis, T.D. (2016), "Programmable omega-based complex medium for beam steering applications", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 35 No. 6, pp. 1890-1899. https://doi.org/10.1108/COMPEL-03-2016-0122
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited