Dual-band antenna based on even mode SSPPs integrating end-fire and frequency beam scanning

Abstract In this work, a single-layer antenna integrating end-fire radiation and frequency beam scanning is realized based on even-mode spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs). Meanwhile, independent dual-band operation is achieved via patch loading, with end-fire radiation at the lower band and frequency beam scanning at the higher band. By loading periodic rectangular metallic patches on one side of the even mode SSPPs transmission line, the current distribution is altered. This results in a current distribution on the combined SSPPs-patch structure mimicking that of the odd mode SSPPs, thereby achieving end-fire radiation in the lower frequency band of slow-wave region. Furthermore, the perturbation effect of the periodic patches on the slow-wave-region SSPPs waves excites higher-order radiation harmonics, facilitating frequency beam scanning in the higher frequency band. A prototype was fabricated and measured. Experimental results demonstrate end-fire radiation with a peak gain of 10.5 dBi from 10 to 13.5 GHz, and beam scanning over 80° (from −65° at 14.2 GHz to +15° at 24 GHz), showing good agreement with simulations.