Wideband Circularly Polarized Metasurface Antenna with Embedded Parasitic Patch and Air-layer for Multi-curvature Stability
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.13052/2024.ACES.J.400708Keywords:
Bandwidth, circular polarization, metasurface (MS), multi-curvatureAbstract
To address the critical limitations of traditional planar antennas, such as susceptibility to carrier platform curvature and narrow bandwidth which hinder integration on complex surfaces, this paper presents a metasurface (MS) based wideband circularly polarized conformal antenna specifically designed for multi-curvature platforms. The design incorporates a systematic three-stage approach. Initially, an oblique elliptical slot-fed antenna is designed to excite orthogonal TM0 modes through slot inclination adjustment, though its axial ratio (AR) minimum fails to surpass the 3 dB threshold. To effectively improve the bandwidth, a 6×6 periodically arranged circular ring-shaped MS superstrate is incorporated, inducing new resonances that merge to form a wideband response (impedance bandwidth 4.1-7.5 GHz, 3 dB AR bandwidth 4.97-7.44 GHz, peak gain 7.45 dBic at 7.1 GHz). To further optimize high-frequency performance and enhance mid-band integration, a centrally offset rectangular patch embedded between the MS and slot layers, separated by an air cavity, introduces multi-mode resonance at higher frequencies, expanding the 3 dB AR bandwidth by 15% to 4-7.5 GHz. Crucially, mechanical bending tests across curvature radii of 20-50 mm reveal minimal performance fluctuations (AR fluctuation<8.3%, gain drop≤1.5 dB per 10 mm reduction in radius), demonstrating exceptional structural stability essential for conformal applications. Experimental validation confirms close agreement between simulated and measured results. This antenna achieves a compelling combination of wideband circular polarization, stable gain, low profile (0.05λ0), and robust multi-curvature conformal capability, holding significant potential for seamless integration with complex-shaped carrier platforms like curved satellite panels, UAVs, or conformal radars.
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