2-D periodic leaky-wave Antennas-part II: slot design

The far-field radiation patterns of a two-dimensional (2-D) periodic slot leaky-wave antenna (LWA) are studied. The antenna consists of a two-dimensional periodic array of slots in a conducting plane that is printed on top of a grounded dielectric slab. The antenna is excited by a simple source such as a dipole inside the slab. Reciprocity along with the spectral-domain method is used to calculate the far-field pattern, and the radiation characteristics of the structure are investigated. A comparison between the present periodic slot LWA and a 2-D periodic patch LWA discussed in Part I is given to show the advantages of the slot antenna for certain applications. The slot LWA can achieve high directivity patterns, and a circularly-polarized version of the antenna can achieve good circular-polarization at broadside.