Characterization of Reconfigurable LC-Reflectarrays Using Near-Field Measurements

A new measurement method for characterization of liquid crystal reflectarrays (LC) is presented. The phase and amplitude characteristics are determined by near-field measurements close to the antenna surface, using high resolution probes, which have been developed to resolve individual patches on the reflectarray. Measurement results showed a phase angle range of 280deg of individual detected LC patches. The measurement setup and corresponding measurement results at 35 GHz are presented. The procedure used for measurement automation is also explained.