Dual-band leaky-wave antenna based on a dual-layer frequency selective surface for bi-directional satcom-on-the-move in Ka-band

Abstract

A 2D-periodic leaky-wave antenna for a Ka-band satcom-on-the-move ground user terminal is presented. The antenna panel operates at the 20 GHz downlink as well as the 30 GHz uplink bands with the respective circular polarizations, using a common radiation aperture and a common phase centre. The dual-band performance is achieved by a carefully designed stacked dual-layer frequency selective surface, with one layer operating at 20 GHz and being transparent at 30 GHz, and the second layer acting vice versa. The paper describes the design of the circularly polarized primary feed, the dual-layer structures, and the complete compact leaky-wave antenna panel. The measured radiation performance reveals realized-gain values above 22 dBi and efficiencies above 60%. The cross-polarization discrimination and sidelobe level are suitable to meet the power spectral requirements for satellite communications at Ka-band.