A novel feedback network for maximizing the gain of a finite-length leaky wave antenna

This paper presents a novel feedback network to maximize the gain of a finite-length leaky wave antenna. A branch-line coupler is used to replace the original rat-race structure in order to reduce the required additional network area and avoid the design difficulties of high-impedance line sections. Design equations and detailed flows are given and an example to maximize the gain of a leaky wave antenna at 6 GHz is provided.