Multibeam antennas with customized elevation angles based on near-field magnetic field coupling of metamaterials

Abstract

In this paper, we propose the design of multibeam antennas with customized elevation angles based on near-field magnetic field coupling of metamaterials. The antenna consists of a monopole feed and four identical metamaterial transmission-line (MTL) structures surrounding the feed. The MTL structure is composed of two pairs of broadside-coupled omega rings (BCORs) that are connected by two straight strip-lines. Under such a framework, magnetic fields within the near-field zone of the monopole feed can be coupled efficiently by the inner BCOR, converted to travelling waves along the double strip-lines, guided toward the outer end of the MTL structure, and radiated by the outer BCOR like a loop antenna. Due to travelling wave nature of the MTL structure, there is phase lag along the MTL structure and the radiation main lobes are tilted towards the outward direction. By arranging several MTL structures around the feed monopole, multi-beam directional radiation can be realized. More interestingly, by adjusting structural parameters and pitch angles of the MTL structures, elevation angle of the radiation main lobes can be customized. To validate the design, we simulated, fabricated and measured four prototypes with pitch angles 0°, 15°, 30° and 45°. Both the simulated and measured results verify the design and show that multiple-beam radiation with customized elevation angle can be obtained. This work provides an alternative method of designing multi-beam antennas and may find applications in communication, surveillance, etc.