A millimeter wave dielectric waveguide antenna

Abstract

This paper describes the theoretical and experimental results of a novel leaky-wave antenna incorporating a homogeneous dielectric transmission line and radiating aperture into a single structure. The primary objective of this investigation is to demonstrate the ability to control aperture radiation by simply cutting slots into a metal-free dielectric transmission line. Experimental line source antennas with identical periodic slots were designed to operate in the 35 GHz frequency region. The successful performance of these antennas resulted in the design of a dielectric line source antenna with a symmetrical amplitude taper which provided a lower sidelobe level. The design represents a significant breakthrough in achieving affordable, low-loss, lightweight antennas in the millimeter wave region. The most significant applications for this type of antenna include radar surveillance and tactical missile-seeker terminal guidance.