Design of an ultra wideband THz reflectarray antenna based on orbital angular momentum

Abstract

A Reflectarray antenna (RA) that can generate orbital angular momentum vortex waves in the THz band was proposed. First of all, a reflective phase-shifting element composed of a notched double-shaped ring and a single Matal structure was designed to form a radiation patch. The reflective phase-shifting element has the advantages of good linearity, high smoothness, and a large phase shift range, which is suitable for the subsequent production of reflective array antennas. Then, the phase distribution of the reflected wave of the OAM vortex wave carrying mode l=+1、+2、+3、+4 is given, and the size of each element is determined based on the reflected phase of each element. Using the proposed element, an OAM reflectarray antenna operating within the waveguide standard WR-5 (120GHz–220GHz) is designed. The optimal frequency band for antenna operation in mode l=+1 is 150GHz–190 GHz, and the maximum gain of the reflector array antenna is 19.4 dBi, and the minimum divergence angle of the antenna array is 5.2°, which has good directivity and beam radiation ability. The spiral structure of the OAM beam space generated by the RA in this paper is clearly visible, proving that the implementation of OAM vortex waves in the THz frequency band is feasible. This design also provides a new method for generating OAM vortex waves in wireless and microwave wireless communications. The proposed RA is suitable for 6G wireless communication systems.