A microstrip composite right/left handed leaky-wave antenna using a stepped impedance resonator

Abstract

A composite right/left-handed (CRLH) leaky wave antenna using a stepped impedance resonator (SIR) is presented. By applying the SIR technique to a conventional CRLH structure, a balanced condition is achieved through adjustments of parameters of the SIR. Therefore, the structure requires no interdigital or multilayer capacitor to achieve a balanced condition. A differential microstrip geometry is also used for utilizing a virtual ground to remove grounded vias. The simplicity of the structure allows applications at higher frequencies. A leaky wave antenna consists of 14 unit cells of the proposed structure is designed. A continuous beam scanning capability from backward to forward direction is confirmed.