Abstract
A Ka-band dual-polarization magnetoelectric (ME) dipole antenna array based on three-dimensional (3D)-printed technology with low sidelobe level (SLL) is proposed in this paper. The metal posts and cross-slots are explored to build a novel subarray with 2 × 2-unit ME-dipoles as the basic element. Creatively, a square waveguide to cross-slots transition with a pyramid horn cavity structure is investigated to feed the ME-dipole subarray. Furthermore, two types of power-tapering corporate-feed networks with laminated structures are used to design an 8 × 8-unit low-SLL array. The fabricated array has a relative bandwidth (VSWR < 2) of 14.3% and 17.1%, with a realized gain higher than 25.8 dBi and 26.1 dBi for the H-pol. and V-pol., respectively. The maximum radiation efficiency for both arrays is 73.2%. The measured first sidelobe levels are less than –17.5 dB for both polarizations. With competitive performance and low fabrication cost, the proposed dual-polarization ME-dipole antenna array would be valuable for polarization-agile radar and communication systems.
Highlights
A dual-polarization antenna with wideband, high-gain and low-sidelobe characteristics is required for mm-wave radars to achieve high resolution, high detection accuracy and strong anti-interference ability [1,2]
Various dual-polarization antenna arrays based on dielectric transmission lines have been reported, such as aperture-coupled microstrip patch arrays [3,4], slot-coupling series-feed microstrip patches [5] and substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) feed antenna arrays [6,7,8]
The strip-line feed dual-polarization ME-dipole array based on LTCC technology in [10] and the SIW feed array based on multilayer PCB technology in [11] both have wideband and low-profile features
Summary
A dual-polarization antenna with wideband, high-gain and low-sidelobe characteristics is required for mm-wave radars to achieve high resolution, high detection accuracy and strong anti-interference ability [1,2]. Various dual-polarization antenna arrays based on dielectric transmission lines have been reported, such as aperture-coupled microstrip patch arrays [3,4], slot-coupling series-feed microstrip patches [5] and substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) feed antenna arrays [6,7,8] These antennas feature high isolation, low profile and low cost, but their operation bandwidth is narrow. A new form of ME-dipole element combined with a waveguide feed network was proposed to achieve wideband and high-efficiency radiation characteristics [19]. Special structures such as a roof-shaped cavity and a waveguide with arc-shaped short walls were proposed for 3D-printing technology, which can reduce the fabrication time and cost [20]. The TE10 mode is excited in the square WG, and the direction of the combined E-field over the four cross-slots’ apertures is along the y-direction, which forms the V-pol. radiation
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