A Reflect-Transmit Array with Full-Space Independent Beamforming Capability

Abstract

A novel reflect-transmit array (RTA) is presented that can enable independent beam steering in full space. The proposed unit cell consists of a metallic Jerusalem cross resonator, which locates between a pair of orthogonally oriented subwavelength metal gratings. By adjusting the length of the metal resonator, 2-bit codes (including '1-bit reflection and transmission phases) are generated. Next, the entire 25x25-element array fed by a pyramidal horn antenna, which is subjected to the quick response (QR) code, is divided into transmission and reflection distribution. The entire structure of the array is arranged in accordance with the transmission beam toward θ0= 0° and the reflection beam toward θ0 = 160°. The simulated results demonstrate the full-space independent beamforming capability.