The European School of Antennas - EuSA

High-Frequency techniques and Traveling-Wave antennas

One-Dimensional Periodic
Leaky-Wave Antennas
Paolo Baccarelli

“La Sapienza” University of Rome

Electronic Engineering Department
 Outline

Generalities of One-Dimensional (1D) Periodic

Structures

Axially Periodic 2D Structure: A Metal Strip Grating

on a Grounded Dielectric Slab (MSG-GDS)

Design of 1D Periodic Leaky-Wave Antenna:

A Printed Leaky-Wave ‘Bull-Eye’ Antenna with
Suppressed Surface-Wave

Axially Periodic 3D Structure: A Periodically Loaded

Microstrip Line
2
 Geometry:
1D Periodic
Axially Periodic 2D Structures Structures

∞
x p

p
e − jk z
z

z
z ∞ ∞
z
− jkz z
e
x
y p y
b
∞
a y
c

1D periodic structure: Translational symmetry along the direction z,

infinitely extended domain of periodicity along z with spatial period equal to p
Axially periodic structure: Propagation of Guided and Leaky Modes along
the direction of periodicity z

2D Structure: Absence of y variation in the structure and in the field [∑( )/∑y=0]
3
 Geometry:
1D Periodic
Axially Periodic 3D Structures Structures

x
x p
w z
p e − jk z
z

e − jk z
z

y
y
s

1D periodic structure: Translational symmetry along the direction z,

infinitely extended domain of periodicity along z with spatial period equal to p

Axially periodic structure: Propagation of Guided and Leaky Modes along

the direction of periodicity z

3D Structure: General transverse variation of the field [∑( )/∑y≠0]

4
Geometry: Linear (Phased) Arrays
1D Periodic
of Leaky-Wave Line Sources Structures

z
x
− jkz z − jkz z z
e e

p
x
y
p

y Linear Arrays
1D periodic structure: Translational symmetry along the direction y,
infinitely extended domain of periodicity along y with spatial period equal to p

Leaky-Wave line source: Propagation of Guided and Leaky Modes along the
infinite uniform direction z
5
 Axially
General Radiative Properties Periodic
2D&3D Structures

w
p

a c
s
Periodic loading of a basically slow-wave open structure produces
a fast complex (leaky) wave which continuously radiates power

1. Very low attenuation rate and large effective aperture: High Directivity
2. Various degrees of freedom in control of aperture distribution: Pattern Shaping
3. Backward and forward leakage regimes: Wide-Angular Beam Scanning

6
 Characteristic Features of Axially
Periodic
Traveling Waves 2D&3D Structures

Basically slow, periodic loaded structures

p / λ0 << 1 in general support bound modes or surface waves.
Radiation in the forward quadrant is in some cases permitted.
Recently proposed quasi-uniform periodic structures (Metamaterials)
have revealed scanning capability in both the forward and backward quadrants

p / λ0 > 1/ 2 When p is sufficiently large, a fast complex (leaky) wave appears,

which gives rise to radiation at some angle between backfire and endfire

Mutual interaction of periodic elements is responsible for mode-coupling resonances,

thus affecting the formation of pass and stop bands, the operating bandwidth,
as well as the radiation properties and scan angles.

Appropriate analysis of EM fields

and accurate description of guided and leaky modes
in axially periodic 2D and 3D structures
7
 x
p

Floquet’s Theorem h
w z

A time-harmonic (e jωt) electromagnetic field E(x,z) of a normal mode

guided along an axially periodic 2D structure [absence of y variation,
[ ∑( )/∑y=0 ] possesses the property:

E ( x, z + p ) = e − j k z 0 p E ( x, z )

Generally complex fundamental propagation constant kz0:

k z 0 = β 0 − jα
β0 and α are the corresponding phase and attenuation
constants

Bloch-Wave Form:
Unique determination of the guided-wave field
E ( x, z ) = e
− jk z 0 z
P ( x, z ) at any point on an infinite periodic structure
solely from the knowledge of the field distribution
P ( x, z + p ) = P ( x, z ) within the Unit Cell (i.e., a single period of width p)

8
 x
p

Spatial Harmonic Expansion h

w z

+∞
The periodic vector function P(x+p,z) = P(x,z)
may be expanded in a Fourier series
P ( x, z ) = ∑ n
a (
n =−∞
x ) e − j n 2π z p

The Fourier series expansion of a Bloch Wave

+∞
E ( x, z ) = ∑a n ( x)e − j kzn z indicates that the field of a normal mode is
n =−∞
expressible in terms of an infinite number of
traveling waves, called spatial harmonics

k zn = β n − jα , The wavenumbers kzn represent the spatial harmonic

β n = β 0 + n 2π p , axial propagation constants, with different phase
constants βn and the same attenuation constant α
n = 0, ±1, ±2,...

a n ( x) Spatial harmonic complex amplitudes

9
 General Properties of the +∞
E ( x, z ) = ∑a ( x )e − j kzn z
Spatial Harmonic Expansion n =−∞
n

Very often a single dominant n=0 spatial

a n ( x) → 0 , as n → ∞ harmonic describes the field adequately.
However, during mode coupling resonances
more spatial harmonics are required

A single spatial harmonic A normal mode of the periodic structure

does not satisfy is represented by the entire
boundary conditions spatial harmonic expansion

The spatial harmonics also The spatial harmonic expansion

represent axially traveling constitutes a field representation
waves along z, with uniform alternative to that in terms
amplitude for real values of kz0 of ordinary waveguide modes
10
 General Properties of the
Spatial Harmonic Expansion
Each spatial harmonic
possesses a different axial
phase velocity:
ω ω
u zn = = are backward-traveling.
β zn β z 0 + n 2π p
Each spatial harmonic
possesses the same group
velocity of the normal mode:
dω dω
vgn = = = vg
d β zn d β z 0
a n ( x ) = a n e − jkxn x
k xn = k02 − k zn2
n = 0, ± 1, ± 2,...
k 0 = ω µ 0ε 0
+∞
E ( x, z ) = ∑a ( x )e − j kzn z
n =−∞
n
For high values of |n| all spatial harmonics
are axially slow waves. For β0 ≥ 0, the n > 0
are forward-traveling, all those with βn < 0
Each spatial harmonic carries power in the
direction of periodicity. However, the total
axial power flow is not a sum of axial
powers carried by the individual space
harmonics.
In the exterior region, the field of each spatial
harmonic constitutes a homogeneous
or inhomogeneous plane wave.
Each spatial harmonic may independently
radiate in free space.
11
 x

Modal Analysis of w
p

Axially Periodic 2D Structures h

Dispersion relation of Fundamental

( ) k z 0 = k z 0 ( k0 )
an axially periodic, propagation constant
traveling-wave
D k z 0 , k0 = 0 of a normal mode as
structure function of frequency
k zn = k z 0 + n 2π p = β 0 + n 2π p − jα

All spatial harmonic wave numbers must be solutions of the same dispersion equation

The classification of guided-wave types on these structures is based on the

traveling-wave properties of each spatial harmonic in the exterior region (free space)

k xn = k02 − k zn2 ≅ − jα xn Slow-Wave Type

+∞ (Bound)
E ( x, z ) = ∑ n
a e − j k xn x − j k zn z
e
n =−∞
k xn = k02 − k z2n ≅ β xn Fast-Wave Type
(Radiative) 12
 x
p

Brillouin Diagram h
w z

The Brillouin Diagram gives most of the

properties of open axially periodic structure:
β n = β 0 + n 2π p ,
it is a graphic representation of the
dispersion relation of the space-harmonic n = 0, ±1, ±2,...
axial phase constants
-45° +45°
k p/π 4 FWR:
FWR
0
3.5
β n < k0 ,
3 Fast Wave
2.5 β =−k
Region
β=+k n = 0, ±1, ±2,...
normalized 0 (FWR) 0

2
frequency
1.5 normalized
Slow Waves Slow Waves phase
1

0.5
constant
0
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
βp/π
13
 x
p

Brillouin Diagram h
w z

-45° +45°
k p/π 4
Fast Wave
0
3.5 Region
(FWR)
The nth spatial harmonic is axially
3 fast only if the corresponding point
2.5 β = − k0
Backward Forward
β = + k0 (βnp/π,k0p/π) of the dispersion curve
2 Radiating Radiating is located inside the FWR
Waves Waves
1.5

1
Slow Waves Slow Waves k zn = β n − jα
0.5
β n = β 0 + n 2π p < k0
0

k0 − k zn ≅ β xn
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
k xn =
2 2
βp/π
The nth spatial harmonic is axially
slow only if the corresponding
point (βnp/π,k0p/π) of the Backward-Radiating Wave
dispersion curve is located
outside the FWR − k0 < β n < 0
k zn = β n − jα or k zn = β n
Forward-Radiating Wave
β n = β 0 + n 2π p > k0
0 < β n < k0
k xn = k0 − k zn ≅ − jα xn
2 2
14
 x
p

Brillouin Diagram h
w z

-45° +45°
k p/π 4
FWR
0
3.5
Backward Forward The Brillouin diagram permits a
3 Radiating Radiating
Waves Waves rapid determination, as a
2.5 β = − k0 β = + k0

2
function of the normalized
ψ
1.5
n frequency, of the number of
ψ
1
Slow Waves n Slow Waves
radiating beams and of their
0.5 respective angles of radiation
0
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 βp/π

For the nth radiating harmonic − k0 < β 0 + n 2π p < 0 0 < β 0 + n 2π p < k0

the relation between the peak of θn < 0 ψn > 0 θn > 0
ψn < 0
the radiation lobe measured
θn
x x
from broadside θn and its angle θn
ψn with respect to the k0p/π axis z z
in the Brillouin diagram is:
h h

β 0 + n 2π p β 0 p π + 2n
sin θ n = = = tanψ n Backward-Radiating Wave Forward-Radiating Wave
k0 k0 p π
15
 x

Brillouin Diagram: p

Closed 1D Periodic TEM Structures h

k p/π 4
In the limit of Vanishing Loading
0
3.5

3 β n = β 0 + n 2π p ,
2.5

2 β 0 = ω µε
n = 0, ±1, ±2,...
1.5

0.5
Brillouin Diagram of an axially
0
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
periodic structure repeats
βp/π in β p/π with period 2p/π

The dispersion relation of the spatial harmonics repeat

with a translation equal to 2n parallel to the abscissa axis
If the periodic structure is reciprocal (β0 ↔ −β0) the Brillouin diagram
is symmetric with respect to the ordinate axis

The Brillouin diagram is symmetric with respect to the axes:

β n p π = n, n = 0, ±1, ±2,... 16
 x
θ
Brillouin Diagram: Radiation z

Regions in Open 2D Structures h p

In the limit of vanishing loading

2
k p /π R
+1
FWR FWR R
−1
0
R R R R
+2 +1 −1 −2
1.5
Superposition of an infinite
number of identical
1
R
+2
R
+1 FWR R
−1
R
−2 (k0p/π, βnp/π) planes,
n=−1 d' d
one for each n, which individually
0.5 n=0
B B c'
B c
B possess their own FWR
0
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
βp /π

The Radiation Region Rn of the nth harmonic is the set of points (k0p/π, β0p/π) of the
n=0 harmonic, corresponding to which the nth harmonic is located in the FWR

R n : ( k0 p ) − ( β 0 p + 2π n ) ≥ 0, n = 0, ±1, ±2,...
2 2

All spatial harmonics are simultaneously slow in the shaded triangular regions with k0p < π,
π
which are termed the Bound-Wave Regions (B) 17
 x
θ
Brillouin Diagram: Mode Coupling z

in Open 2D Structures h p

Mutual interactions between (different) backward (vg<0) - and forward (vg>0) -

traveling space harmonics give rise to Mode Coupling:
Contra-Directional Coupling at β p/π=n, n=0,±1, ± 2,..

k p /π
0
1
R+2 R+1 FWR R−1 R−2
n=0 n=−1 n=−2 n=−2 n=−1 n=0

0.5 n=+1
n=+1 B B B B

0
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
βp /π

Closed Stop Band:

Band The entire modal field is bounded and highly attenuated
(α/k0>>0), the interaction between harmonics forms a standing wave along z

Open Stop Band:

Band Coupling between two spatial harmonics radiating at
broadside; high degradation of the radiation properties at broadside.
18
 x

Spectral Properties w
p

of Spatial Harmonics h

The Dispersion Relation of an open axially periodic traveling-wave structure is an odd

function of kxn, for n=0,±1, ± 2,…; the overall Riemann Surface of D(kz0,k0) consists
of a denumerably infinite number of sheets
0 ≤ φ < 2π
 Top Sheet of kxn2:
− jφ
 ℑm ( k xn ) < 0
2
k xn = k xn e = k 0 − k zn ,
2 2 2
Proper Determination
α > 0
k xn = k xn e
− jφ 2
= k 0 − k zn = β xn − jα xn ,
2 2
 xn
n = 0, ±1, ±2,...  2π ≤ φ < 4π

 ℑm ( k xn ) > 0
Bottom Sheet of kxn2:
Improper Determination
α < 0
 xn
+∞
E ( x, z ) = ∑ n
a e − j k xn x − j k zn z
e A guided Bloch Wave is a superposition of
n =−∞
various proper and improper spatial harmonics

A proper surface wave E(x,z) is characterized by a real value of kz0 and

all axially slow proper spatial harmonics
For complex values of kz0, E(x,z) is called a proper complex Bloch Wave when all spatial
harmonics are proper, and is otherwise termed improper 19
 x

Spectral Properties w
p

of Spatial Harmonics h

0 ≤ φ < 2π
2
k xn = k02 − β n2 + α 2 + j 2β nα 2π ≤ φ < 4π

Im[ kxn2 ] Im[ kxn2 ]

Re[ kxn2 ] Re[ kxn2 ]

Branch point Branch cut Branch point Branch cut

ℑm ( k xn ) < 0 kxn2 may change sheets only ℑm ( k xn ) > 0

when either the branch cut or
the branch point kxn=0
is crossed
2π n  β n2 < k02  β n = ± k0
β0 = − or  
p α = 0 α = 0

branch cut crossing  ( )

ℜe k xn2 ≥ 0
branch point crossing

( ) 2
( )
ℑm k xn > 0 ↔ ℑm k xn < 0
2

20
 x
θ
Brillouin Diagram and Spectral z

Properties of Spatial Harmonics h p

-45° +45°
2
k p/π 2π n
0 β0 = −
p
1.5
Proper Improper
β=−k Determination Determination β = + k0 branch cut crossing
0

n=-1  β n = ± k0
n=-1 
α = 0
0.5 Proper
Proper
Determination
Determination
n=-1
0
-2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 branch point crossing
βp/π

A Backward-Radiating spatial harmonic is proper and its field decays away from the structure:
Backward-Leaky Waves

A Forward-Radiating spatial harmonic is improper and its field grows at infinity along x :
Forward-Leaky Waves
21
 A Canonical Axially Periodic 2D Structure:
Metal-Strip Grating on a Grounded Dielectric Slab

Translational symmetry of an axially periodic structure:
Infinitely extended domain along the axial direction of periodicity z,
with spatial period equal to p

2D Structure: Absence of y variation in the structure

and in the field [∑( )/∑y=0]

Metal-Strip Grating on a Grounded Dielectric Slab (MSG-GDS):

modal analysis along the axial direction of periodicity z
x
p Metallic Strips
W
z
h εr
22
Grounded Plane
 MSG-GDS: Spectral Representation
of 1D Periodic Currents
Spatial periodicity of the currents Discrete spectrum of the spectral currents
on metal strips along z as function of the variable kz, ∆kz → n 2π/p

x
p
w kz
z

2π/p
+∞ +∞
J ( z) =
p
s ∑
n =−∞
Jɶ sn e− jkzn z Jɶ sp (k z ) = ∑ Jɶ δ ( k
n =−∞
sn z − k zn )

+∞
( z)e
p 2 p 2 − j(k −k ) z
∫−p 2
J p
s
j k zm z
dz = ∑ sn ∫
ɶ
J
n =−∞
e
−p 2
zn zm
dz
Fourier Transform of Orthogonality
the current on the strip relations for Spatial
within the Unit Cell Harmonics

− j ( k zn − k zm ) z 0, m ≠ n
ɶJ = 1 Jɶ 0 ( k )
+∞ p 2
Jɶ ( k zm ) = ∫ J ( z ) e
0
s
−∞
0
s
j k zm z
dz sn s zn ∫−p 2
e dz = 
 p, m = n
p
23
 x

MSG-GDS: Integral Equation p

w z

within the Unit Cell h

Space Domain Spectral Domain kz

+∞
E ( x, z ) = G ee ( x,0; z − z ') ⋅ J s ( z ') dz '
ɶ ( x; k ) = G
ɶ ( x,0; k ) ⋅ Jɶ ( k )
∫
−∞
E z ee z s z

Spatial harmonic expansion of the Electric Field

+∞ +∞
ɶ ( x; k ) = G ( x,0; k ) ⋅ 1
Jɶ 0s δ ( k z − k zn )
E ( x, z ) =
1
2π p
∑ ɶ ( x,0; k ) ⋅ Jɶ ( k ) e
G
n =−∞
ee zn
0
s zn
− jk zn z
E z
ɶ
ee z ∑
p n =−∞

Integral Equation obtained

+∞ by enforcing that
xˆ × ∑ Gɶ ( 0,0; k ) ⋅ Jɶ ( k ) e
ee zn
0
s zn
− jk zn z
=0, z <w 2 the tangential electric field
n =−∞ vanishes on the strip
within the Unit Cell
24
 MSG-GDS: Method of Moments x
p

Discretization of the Integral Equation h

w z

N y −1 N z −1 Representation of the transversal

J s ( z ) = J y ( z ) yˆ + J z ( z ) zˆ ≅ ∑ Ar J yr ( z ) yˆ + ∑ Bs J zr ( z ) zˆ and longitudinal components of the
r =0 s =0
unknown currents by means
2D Structure of an appropriate set
of basis functions
TEz Modes TMz Modes
(Chebyshev polynomials)
Testing of the Integral Equation within the Unit Cell
 2z 
T2 r  
N y −1 +∞
p 2
J yr ( z ) =  w
∫  J yl ( z ) yˆ  ⋅ ∑ Ar ∑ ee ɶ ( 0,0; k ) ⋅  Jɶ ( k ) yˆ  e − jkzn z dz = 0 ,
G
   yr zn 
2
zn  2z 
−p 2 r =0 n =−∞ 1−  
 w
l = 0,.., N y − 1 z <p 2
2
 2z   2z 
J zs ( z ) = jU 2 s −1   1 −  
 w  w
N y −1

∑ A Z (k
r =0
r yy ,lr zn , f )=0, l = 0,.., N y − 1
+∞
Z yy , pr ( k zn , f ) = ∑ Jɶ ( −k ) Gɶ ( 0,0; k ) Jɶ ( k ) ; p, r = 0,.., N
yp zn ee , yy zn yr zn y −1
n =−∞ 25
 x

MSG-GDS: Dispersion relation for p

w z

TEz and TMz Modes h

 ( )
 Z yy k zTE0 , f  ( A ) = ( 0 )
 (
 Z zz k zTM
 0 , f
)
 ( B) = ( 0 )

The Eigenvalues of the homogeneous linear system

provide the Propagation Constants kTEzn (kTMzn), with n=0,±1, ± 2,…,
of the spatial harmonics of TEz (TMz) modes as function of frequency

( )
Det  Z yy k zTE0 , f  = 0
   (
Det  Z zz k zTM
0 , f
=0
 )
The propagation constant of each spatial harmonic is easily determined
from the fundamental propagation constant
k zn = k z 0 + n 2π p = β 0 + n 2π p − jα , n = 0, ±1, ±2,...
26
 x

MSG-GDS as a Perturbation of p
w z

Open and Closed Structures h

β/ko α/ko
10 10
β/k0 (real improper) Grounded Dielectric Slab (GDS)
α/k0
8 β/k0 (real proper) 8
x
6 6 Air
TE1 (GDS)
4 4 z
h εr

2 2
TE1 (DPP) Ground Plane
0 0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
f (GHz)
Dielectric-filled
k0p/π Parallel-Plate Waveguide (DPP)
1
x
30.6 GHz PEC
0.8
TE1 (DPP)
0.6 z
h εr
TE1 (GDS)
0.4
proper
22.0 GHz Ground Plane
0.2 improper complex ε r = 20 , h = 1.4 mm,
(n=0 spatial harmonic improper)
0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 p =3.38 mm, w p = 0.6
27
β 0p/π
 x

Mode Coupling in MSG-GDS: p

w z

Pass Bands and Closed-Stop Bands h

f [GHz]
β 0 p = ( 2n + 1) π 0.55
TE1
k0p/π
1 44.38 n=0 0.5

k0p/π
0.8 n=−1 harmonics =0 harmonics 35.50
n=
vg<0 TE1 vg>0
Mode Coupling 0.45

0.6 26.63
0.4
0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3

0.4 17.75 β0p/π

β 0/k0 α/k0
0.2 8.88 TE1
TM0 3.5 1

0 0
3 0.8
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
β 0p/π 2.5 0.6

2 0.4

ε r = 20 , h = 1.4 mm, 1.5 0.2

p =3.38 mm, w p = 0.2

1 0
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
f (GHz)

Highly Attenuated Bound Wave

28
 x

MSG-GDS: p
w z

Improper Transition Region h

Grating with d/p=0.6

β 0/k0 1.15 0.1 α/k0 k0p/π
n = 0 Spatial Harmonic
0.08 1
1.1 FWR
Forward Radiating Waves
0.06
n=0 harmonic improper
0.8
1.05
real solution Unperturbed parallel-plate guide mode
n=0 harmonic improper 0.04
complex solution
0.6
1
0.02
All harmonics proper 30.6 GHz
real solution
0.4
0.95 0 proper real
21.94 21.96 21.98 22 22.02 22.04
22 GHz
(physical bound mode)
improper complex
f (GHz) 0.2 (leaky mode)
0.498
Real proper
0.4975 0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
0.497
β 0p/π
21.996 GHz
0.4965
k0p/π Real improper
0.496 Improper Spectral Gap
 β 0 = + k0
 0.4955

α = 0 0.495 21.980 GHz

ε r = 20 , h = 1.4 mm,
Complex improper
0.4945
0.48 0.49 0.5 0.51 0.52 0.53 0.54 p =3.38 mm, w p = 0.6
Branch Point crossing
β 0p/π 29
for the n=0 harmonic
 x

MSG-GDS: p
w z

Proper Transition Region h

k0p/π
n = 0 Spatial Harmonic k0p/π
0.5590872061 n = 0 Spatial Harmonic
24.794401066625 GHz
0.55908720605 1
FWR R-1B R-1F
0.559087206
24.8 GHz R-2B
0.55908720595 0.8
24.79440106035 GHz
0.5590872059

0.55908720585 0.6
17.42 GHz
0.5590872058
24.79440105407 GHz
0.55908720575 0.4
0.5590872057
1.440912788 1.44091279 1.440912792 1.440912794 1.440912796 B B
0.2
β 0p/π

Proper Spectral Gap 0

0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4

β -1/k0 α/k0 β 0p/π

n = −1 Spatial Harmonic
-0.999999998 1.2 10 -8
 β −1 = − k0
-1 1 10-8  Branch Point crossing
-1.000000002 8 10-9
α = 0 for the n = - 1 harmonic
Real Improper
-1.000000004 Real Proper 6 10-9

ε r = 20 , h = 1.4 mm,
-1.000000006 4 10-9

-1.000000008 2 10-9

-1.00000001
24.79440104 24.79440105 24.79440106
0
24.79440107
p =3.38 mm, w p = 0.2
30
f (GHz)
 x

Mode Coupling in MSG-GDS: p

w z
Open-Stop Band h

k0p/π n = 0 Spatial Harmonic 2π n = 0 Spatial Harmonic

1
β0 = 0.68

FWR R-1B R-1F p 0.67

27.64 GHz R-2B 0.66

0.8
β −1 = 0 0.65

k0p/π 0.64
0.6 n=-1 harmonic improper Branch Cut 0.63

0.4
Crossing 0.62
for the 0.61
B B n = -1 0.6
0.2
1.9 1.95 2 2.05 2.1
harmonic β 0p/π
0 β -1/k0 0.5 0.3 α/k0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4

β 0p/π 0.25

0 0.2
Open Stop Band:
0.15
High Degradation of
-0.5 0.1
Radiation at Broadside
0.05

-1 0
ε r = 20 , h = 1.4 mm, 25 26 27 28 29 30

f (GHz)
p =3.38 mm, w p = 0.2 31
n = - 1 Spatial Harmonic
 The European School of Antennas - EuSA
High-Frequency techniques and Traveling-Wave antennas

Design of a printed leaky-wave

‘bull-eye’ antenna
with suppressed
surface-wave
Paolo Baccarelli

“La Sapienza” University of Rome

Electronic Engineering Department

A leaky-wave antenna based on a multiple-ring
structure (bull-eye)

This antenna is characterized by a high efficiency and

reduced edge diffraction and operates on the n=-1
harmonic of the TM0 mode

A design procedure based on the dispersion behavior

of an infinite 1D periodic linear array is presented

Numerical results obtained through a commercial

software (EnsembleTM) on the radiated field are
presented
33
 Design technique (1) Dispersion properties

We consider TM and TE modes with respect of the normal z direction

Infinite ‘bull-eye’ structure Infinite 1D periodic linear array of microstrips
∞
∞ ∞

ρ
along ρ
≡
z
∞ ∞
φ ρ

∞ ∞
y
∞
Beyond the near field: each mode has the same radial propagation
constant kρ as the corresponding mode of linear array 34
‘Bull-eye’ antenna Structure description

A series of concentric annular microstrip rings of

width w and radial period p
Top view
x
θ
Feeding line
w p
z
h εr 2r z
φ

Slot
Slot Feeding line
y Side view

Excitation through a rectangular slot etched on

the ground plane 35
 Aim: obtain a leaky-wave radiator
Design technique (1) in absence of any other physical
leaky or surface wave

The operation is based on the excitation of the

fundamental TM0 mode of the periodic structure

Three possible operating mode when the TM0 mode
radiates
1. TE1 mode in stopband region
kk0 0pp TE1 TE
2. TE1 mode nonphysical ππ 1

11
3. Suppressed TE1 surface-wave

TMTM

Radiation through the n=-1 harmonic of the 0 TM mode
00 TM0
in the backward quadrant:
11 22 ββpp
β −1 β −1 ππ
−1 < < 0, sin (θ M ) ≃
k0 k0 36
 Design technique (2) Operating mode 1

Shaded area [19.21-23.5] GHz

k0p/π
1
Part of the radiative
0.8 region of the TM0 is
17.42 GHz TE1
0.6
superimposed to the
TE1 stopband region
0.4

0.2
TM0 Drawbacks
0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
β 0p/π 1. Very high dielectric constant (not
Structure parameters: suitable for antenna substrates)

ε r = 20 w/p = 0.2 2. The TE1 stopband region could

be very narrow
d = 3.38 mm h = 1.4 mm 37
 Design technique (3) Operating mode 2

Shaded area [20.55-25.14] GHz

k p/π TE1 below cutoff
0
1.2 When the TM0 mode
1 TE1 radiates the TE1 mode is
0.8
in a non physical region
(real improper solution)
0.6
TM0 leaky
0.4
TM0
Drawbacks
0.2
1. High dielectric constant (not
0 suitable for antenna substrates)
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
β p/π
0
Structure parameters: 2. The TM0 radiative region and the
TE1 nonphysical region are
ε r = 6.8 w/p = 0.2 superimposed only in a narrow
frequency range.
d = 5.6 mm h = 1.4 mm 38
Design technique (4) Operating mode 3

Substrates employed in leaky-wave planar antenna

design typically are 2 < ε r < 4
k0 p
TM0 lies inside this
shaded area
π

For substrates with low 1
1/ ε r
dielectric constant TM0 starts
to radiate closer to the top of
the triangle
1 2 βp

The cutoff of the TE1 mode when ε r > 4 / 3 is: π

Grounded slab TE1 cutoff

Parallel-plate waveguide
c c
< f TE1
<
4h ε r − 1 2h ε r 39
Design technique (5) Operating mode 3

In order to have surface-wave suppression for

TE1 we impose: c
> f 0 where f0 corresponds to the
4h ε r − 1 top of the triangle
k0 p
k0 p / π =1
π
1
From the relation between f0 and the
period p at the top of the triangle:
c p
p= h<
1 2 β p /π
2 f0 2 εr −1

In order to avoid grating lobes: when β 0 d / π = 2

β −2
< −1 p < λ0 BS at broadside
k0 40
 Numerical results (1)

At φ=90° far field is

0
1 0°
-30 30
30° 10 elements
mainly due to TE 0,8
f = 17 GHz 60°
90°
modes. No directive 0,6
-60 60
beams are present in 0,4

this plane because 0,2

TE modes are 0 90

avoided. z
φ

0
1 y
-30 30
0°
30°
0.8
f = 19 GHz 60°
90°
Structure parameters: 0.6
60
-60

ε r = 3.6
0.4
w = 3.15 mm 0.2
9 elements
90
p = 7 mm h = 2.7 mm 0

41
 Numerical results (2) Frequency scanning (1)

Cutoff of TE1 outside the triangle

c Dispersion diagram for the
TE1 slab ≃ 15.19 GHz
4h ε r − 1 n=-1 harmonic
k p/π β /k α/k
−1 0
0 TM0 radiative region 0 0.075
0
1.6
1.4 Attenuation
-0.2 0.06
1.2 constant
1
f0 ≃ 15 GHz -0.4 0.045
0.8
-0.6 0.03
0.6
0.4
TE1 in
-0.8 Phase constant 0.015
0.2 stopband
0 -1 0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 12 13 14 15 16 16.517 18 19
β pπ
0 f [GHz]
Structure parameters: Range of
14 GHz 16.5 GHz
εr = 4 w = 3 mm
analysis

h = 2.85 mm Inside this frequency range the

p = 10 mm
attenuation constant is slow varying 42
 Numerical results (3) Frequency scanning (2)

Wide angular scanning 12.5° - 42° θ MLW ≃ θ MENS

0 0 0
1 1 1
-30 30 -30 30 -30 30
0.8 0.8 0.8

0.6 0.6 0.6

-60 60 -60 60 60
-60
0.4 0.4 0.4

0.2 0.2 0.2

90 90 90
0 0 0

f=14 GHz f=14.5 GHz f=15 GHz

0 0 0
1 1 1
-30 30 -30 30 -30 30

0.8 0.8 0.8

0.6 0.6 0.6

-60 60 60 -60 60
-60
0.4 0.4 0.4

0.2 0.2 0.2

90 90 90
0 0 0

f=15.5 GHz f=16 GHz f=16.5 GHz

10 elements simulation
43

A microstrip leaky-wave antenna has been designed,
based on the excitation on a series of concentric,
radially-periodic annular rings of the fundamental TM0
mode in a leaky regime.

By properly designing the physical and geometrical
parameters of the structure, it is possible to avoid the
presence of any other mode in a guided regime or in
a physical leaky regime.

High radiation efficiency and low edge-diffraction
effects are expected and numerically verified from the
performance of practical finite structures.

44
 The European School of Antennas - EuSA
High-Frequency techniques and Traveling-Wave antennas

Axially Periodic 3D Structure:

A Periodically Loaded Microstrip Line

Paolo Baccarelli

“La Sapienza” University of Rome

Electronic Engineering Department
Axially Periodic Printed Lines

Unit Cell Unit Cell

Axially Periodic Printed Lines: Linear array of patches, periodically

loaded microstrip lines (Filters, Leaky-Wave Antennas, ‘Metamaterials’)

Modal Analysis (infinite array hypothesis): Unit-Cell Method and

Spatial Harmonic Expansion (Floquet)

Arbitrary Geometry of the metallization within the Unit Cell: Method

of Moments in the Space Domain, Rao-Wilton-Glisson (RWG)
triangular Basis Functions
46
 Method of Moments Mixed Potential
Integral Equations
in the Space Domain (MPIE)

MPIE
{  ( )( y
x o × − jω ∫ S G Ap r, r ' y
o o
+ z o z o) ( ) ( )  ( ) }
 ⋅ J S r ' dS ' − ∇ K Φp r , r ' ∇' ⋅ J S r '  dS ' = 0
∫S 
Discretization of arbitrary geometry within the unit cell

Internal
Edges
RWG
N Nc N uc Continuity through the Unit-Cell Borders
J s ≅ ∑ In Λn = ∑ I Λn + ∑ I Λ
c uc uc
n n n
n =1 n =1 n =1 Unit Cell
Reaction
Edges on
Integrals one of the T 'n+ T 'n− Tn+ Tn−
∫ Λ m ( r ) ⋅ ∫ Λ n ( r ) GA (r , r ) dS ′dS
' p ' Unit-Cell
Borders
S S

∫ Λ m (r ) ⋅ ∇ ∫ ∇′ ⋅ Λ ( )
n r
'
K p
Φ ( r, r ) dS ′dS
'
Correspondence between the Unit-Cell border Edges
S S
47
 Mixed Potentials (1) 1D Periodic
Mixed Potentials

z pz
Periodicity along the
axial direction z
y
1 +∞ − jkzn z
J ( y, z ) = δ ( y ) ∑ e
p
y ,z
p n=−∞
Floquet
2π n 2π n
1D Periodic Green Function k zn = k z 0 + = β0 + − jα = β n − jα
p p
2π n
GAp ( y, z ) = GA ( y, z ) ⊗ J yp,z ( y, z ) βn = β0 + , n = 0, ± 1, ± 2,..
p

Gɶ A ( k y , k z ) = V ( k y , kz ) J y ,z ( k y , kz ) =
1 +∞
1 TE
jω
ɶ p
∑ δ ( kz − kzn )
pz n=−∞ Series of an infinite
number of Spectral
Integrals

(y − y ,z − z ) = ɶ ( k y , k zn ) e− j k y  y− y  dk y
1 +∞ − j k zn  z − z '  +∞  '
Singularity in
G p ' '
∑e 
∫−∞ A

G
A
( 2π p ) n=−∞ y − y' = z − z' = 0
48
 x z

The Modified Brillouin Diagram

y

0
k0 p π
z
β n = − k0 β n = + k0
2

1.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 β n = + kTE
β n = −kTE
1
1

1 β n = + kTM
β n = −kTM 0
0

0.5
B B B B
0
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
β p π

An open 1-D periodic microstrip line is characterized by unbounded

cross-sections along x and y directions: Space and Surface Leaky-
Wave Regimes of both the Proper and Improper kinds exist

New Radiation Regions (1,2,5,6) are depicted in the Brillouin
diagram: Space Harmonics may radiate through the above cutoff
surface waves of the background dielectric structure
 Guided Bloch-Wave Integration Paths
in the Complex Plane

0 z
k0 p π
2π n
2

k zn = β n = β0 + ,
p 1.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 Each Spatial
n = 0, ± 1, ± 2,..
Harmonic Phase
1
Constant is
within Region B
2π n
0.5

β n = β0 + < kTM , B B B B
p 0

n = 0, ± 1, ± 2,.. -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
βp π
ky
i
z

ky
r
y

The integration path is along the

real axis on the
(a)proper sheet of
GAp ( y − y ' , z − z ' ) =
+∞ − j k zn  z − z '  +∞  '
1
∑e ɶ ( k y , k zn ) e− j k y  y− y  dk y
( 2π p ) n=−∞
 
∫−∞ A
G the complex ky plane
for all the harmonics: Proper
Determination
 Closed-Stop Band Regime Integration Paths
in the Complex Plane

0 z
k 0 p π2

Each Spatial Complex Propagation

1.5 1 2 3 4 5 6
Harmonic Phase Constant
Constant is 1
k zn = β n − jα ,
within Region B
0.5 n = 0, ± 1, ± 2,..
B B B B
βn =
( 2n + 1) π < k , 0
ky
TM -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
p 0
βp π
i

n = 0, ± 1, ± 2,.. βn α < 0 βn α > 0

z
k yr
TM0

y free space
branch point

The integration path is along the

real axis on the proper sheet of
GAp ( y − y ' , z − z ' ) =
+∞ − j kzn  z − z '  +∞  '
1
∑e ɶ ( k y , k zn ) e− j k y  y − y  dk y
 
∫−∞ A
G the complex ky plane
( 2π pz ) n=−∞ for all the harmonics: Proper
Determination
 Backward Surface Integration Paths
in the Complex Plane
Leaky-Wave Regime
0 z
k0 p π
2
At least One
Spatial Harmonic Complex Propagation
1.5 1 2 3 4 5 6
Phase Constant is Constant
within Region: 1
k zn = β n − jα ,
−kTM 0 < β n < −kTE1 < −k0 ,
0.5 n = 0, ± 1, ± 2,..
1 : B B B B
n = 0, ± 1, ± 2,.. 0
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
ky
i
βp π
−kTM 0 < −kTE1 < β n < −k0 , βn α < 0 βn α > 0
2 :
n = 0, ± 1, ± 2,.. z
k yr
TM0

y free space
branch point

The integration path is along the

real axis on the proper sheet of
GAp ( y − y ' , z − z ' ) =
+∞ − j kzn  z − z '  +∞  '
1
∑e ɶ ( k y , k zn ) e− j k y  y − y  dk y
 
∫−∞ A
G the complex ky plane
( 2π pz ) n=−∞ for all the harmonics: Proper
Determination
 Backward Space Integration Paths
in the Complex Plane
Leaky-Wave Regime
0 z
k0 p π
2
At least One
Spatial Harmonic Complex Propagation
1.5 1 2 3 4 5 6
Phase Constant is Constant
within Region: 1
k zn = β n − jα ,
0.5 n = 0, ± 1, ± 2,..
−k < β n < 0,
B B B B
3 : 0
n = 0, ± 1, ± 2,..
0
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
ky
i
βp π
βn α < 0 βn α > 0
z
k yr
TM0

y free space
branch point

The integration path is along the

real axis on the proper sheet of
GAp ( y − y ' , z − z ' ) =
+∞ − j kzn  z − z '  +∞  '
1
∑e ɶ ( k y , k zn ) e− j k y  y − y  dk y
 
∫−∞ A
G the complex ky plane
( 2π pz ) n=−∞ for all the harmonics: Proper
Determination
 Forward Space Integration Paths
in the Complex Plane
Leaky-Wave Regime
0 z
k0 p π
2
At least One Complex Propagation
Spatial Harmonic 1.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 Constant
Phase Constant is
within Region: 1 k zn = β n − jα ,
n = 0, ± 1, ± 2,..
0.5

0 < β n < k0 ,
B B B B
4 :
 n = 0, ± 1, ± 2,..
0
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 Improper
βp π Determination
βn α < 0
z

The integration path for any

forward space radiating harmonic
GAp ( y − y ' , z − z ' ) =
+∞ − j kzn  z − z '  +∞  '
1
∑e ɶ ( k y , k zn ) e− j k y  y − y  dk y passes through the branch cuts
 
∫−∞ A
G
( 2π pz ) n=−∞ and lies partially on the Bottom
Sheet of the complex ky plane
 Forward Surface Integration Paths
in the Complex Plane
Leaky-Wave Regime
0 z
k0 p π
2
At least One Complex Propagation
Spatial Harmonic 1.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 Constant
Phase Constant is
within Region: 1 k zn = β n − jα ,
n = 0, ± 1, ± 2,..
k0 < β n < kTE1 < kTM 0 , 0.5
5 : B B B B
n = 0, ± 1, ± 2,..
0
Improper
k0 < kTE1 < β n < kTM 0 ,
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
βp π Determination
6 :
n = 0, ± 1, ± 2,..

The integration path for any forward

surface leaky wave harmonic passes
GAp ( y − y ' , z − z ' ) =
+∞ − j kzn  z − z '  +∞  '
1
∑e ɶ ( k y , k zn ) e− j k y  y − y  dk y
 
∫−∞ A
G around the pole singularities
( 2π pz ) n=−∞ on the complex ky plane
 Numerical results (4) Periodically Loaded
Microstrip Line

Parameters: Unit Cell

ε r = 10.2 p = 4 mm
h = 0.676 mm

‘Backward’ Radiation ‘Forward’ Radiation

k p / π (Proper Complex ) (Improper Complex ) β0/k0 α/k0
0
1 3.2

0.8
3.1 βz0/k0 0.3
3 0.25
0.6 0.2
2.9
TM
0
0.4 2.8 0.15
TM
0.2 “Open
0
2.7 α/k0 0.1
“Closed stop band” 2.6 0.05
stop band” 0 2.5 0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
(Proper Complex) β p/π 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 56
0
f [GHz]
Pass-Bands (Proper Real)
 References
 R. E. Collin and F. J. Zucker (Eds.), Antenna Theory. New York, NY: McGraw- Hill, 1969, ch. 19
 R. E. Collin, Field theory of guided waves. Piscataway, NJ: IEEE Press, 2° ed., 1991, ch. 9
 A. F. Peterson, S. L. Ray e R. Mittra, Computational methods for electromagnetics. NJ: IEEE Press, 1997, ch. 7
 A. A. Oliner, “Radiating periodic structures: analysis in terms of k vs. β diagrams,” SHORT COURSE on
Microwave Field and Network Techniques, 4 June, 1963
 P. Burghignoli, P. Baccarelli, F. Frezza, A. Galli, P. Lampariello, and A. A. Oliner, “Low-frequency dispersion
features of a new complex mode for a periodic strip grating on a grounded dielectric slab”, IEEE Transactions on
Microwave Theory and Techniques, vol. 49, pp. 2197-2205, Dec 2001
 P. Baccarelli, P. Burghignoli, C. Di Nallo, F. Frezza, A. Galli, P. Lampariello, and G. Ruggieri, “Full-wave analysis
of printed leaky-wave phased arrays”, International Journal of RF and Microwave Computer Aided Engineering,
vol. 12, pp. 272-287, May 2002
 P. Baccarelli, P. Burghignoli, F. Frezza, A. Galli, P. Lampariello, G. Lovat, and S. Paulotto, “Modal properties of
surface and leaky waves propagating at arbitrary angles along a metal strip grating on a grounded slab”, IEEE
Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, vol. 53, pp. 36-46, Jan. 2005
 P. Baccarelli, P. Burghignoli, G. Lovat, and S. Paulotto, “A novel printed leaky-wave ‘Bull-Eye’ antenna with
suppressed surface-wave excitation”, Digest 2004 IEEE AP-S International Symposium on Antennas and
Propagation, Monterey, California, 20-25 June 2004, pp. 1078-1081
 P. Baccarelli, S. Paulotto, D. R. Jackson, and A. A. Oliner, “Analysis of Printed Periodic Structures on a Grounded
Substrate: A New Brillouin Dispersion Diagram”, accepted for presentation to IEEE MTT-S International
Microwave Symposium, Long Beach, CA, June 11-17, 2005
 P. Baccarelli, C. Di Nallo, S. Paulotto, and D. R. Jackson, “A full-wave numerical approach for accurate modal
analysis of arbitrarily periodic microstrip lines,” submitted to IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and
Techniques

57