Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel lens antenna with a 3D near-field focus-steering capability that operates at gigahertz and terahertz frequencies. The novel antenna includes a pair of discrete dielectric lenses fed by a stationary horn source. In-plane synchronous counter-rotation and co-rotation of the lens pair steers its near-field focus radially and azimuthally, respectively, while linear translation of the upper lens moves the focal point longitudinally. The steering focus beam enables fast imaging. In imaging applications, the radiated beam from the novel lens antenna focused in the target area can reduce undesired interference from neighboring structures and increase the system dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A self-filtering, space-time coding, waveguide-driven metasurface antenna includes at least first and second metal layers, and first dielectric layer between the first and second metal layers. A series of vias is formed in the first dielectric layer. A substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) is formed from the first and second metal layers and from the metal vias in the first dielectric layer. A series of meta-atoms is formed in the first metal layer, each meta-atom including a slot cooperating with two switching elements for switching the meta-atom between an on and off state. Each meta-atom behaves as a magnetic dipole antenna element that radiates electromagnetic waves into free space. In this manner, the propagating guided waves inside the substrate integrated waveguide are converted and molded into arbitrary selected out-of-plane free-space waves in both a frequency domain and a momentum domain.

Abstract: A self-filtering, space-time coding, waveguide-driven metasurface antenna includes at least first and second metal layers, and first dielectric layer between the first and second metal layers. A series of vias is formed in the first dielectric layer. A substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) is formed from the first and second metal layers and from the metal vias in the first dielectric layer. A series of meta-atoms is formed in the first metal layer, each meta-atom including a slot cooperating with two switching elements for switching the meta-atom between an on and off state. Each meta-atom behaves as a magnetic dipole antenna element that radiates electromagnetic waves into free space. In this manner, the propagating guided waves inside the substrate integrated waveguide are converted and molded into arbitrary selected out-of-plane free-space waves in both a frequency domain and a momentum domain.

Abstract: A guided-wave-driven metasurface antenna includes an input for receiving a guided wave; an output for outputting a free-space wave; and a spatial frequency mixer connected between the input and the output for converting the guided wave to the free-space wave. The spatial frequency mixer is implemented by a metasurface of the antenna. The superheterodyne metasurface can be fabricated with high accuracy using lithography step similar to conventional waveguides made by the well-established semiconductor processing technology, making their integration with PICs straightforward.

Abstract: A leaky-wave antenna includes a substrate extending along an axis, and a dielectric waveguide extending along the axis and arranged in the substrate. The dielectric waveguide includes at least a top side, a bottom side, and opposite sides arranged between the top and bottom sides. A distance defined between the opposite sides varies along the axis for at least part of a length of the dielectric waveguide.

Abstract: A leaky-wave antenna includes a substrate extending along an axis, and a dielectric waveguide extending along the axis and arranged in the substrate. The dielectric waveguide includes at least a top side, a bottom side, and opposite sides arranged between the top and bottom sides. A distance defined between the opposite sides varies along the axis for at least part of a length of the dielectric waveguide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel lens antenna with a 3D near-field focus-steering capability that operates at gigahertz and terahertz frequencies. The novel antenna includes a pair of discrete dielectric lenses fed by a stationary horn source. In-plane synchronous counter-rotation and co-rotation of the lens pair steers its near-field focus radially and azimuthally, respectively, while linear translation of the upper lens moves the focal point longitudinally. The steering focus beam enables fast imaging. In imaging applications, the radiated beam from the novel lens antenna focused in the target area can reduce undesired interference from neighboring structures and increase the system dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio.