A polarization-switchable metasurface antenna for communication and meteorological radar systems

Abstract

A highly integrated and compact dual circularly and linearly polarized metasurface antenna array operating in the X-band is developed in this study. By implementing an aperture-sharing configuration that enables two radiating patch elements to be shared between left- and right-hand circular polarization channels, significant miniaturization and efficient spatial utilization are achieved for multifunctional airborne meteorological radar and communication platforms. The introduction of a sequential-rotation feeding structure and metasurface patches enhances the circular polarization bandwidth characteristics of the antenna. Miniaturization of the dual circular polarization array and efficient spatial utilization are achieved by sharing two patch elements. Additionally, the simultaneous operation of the two circular polarization ports provides linear polarization radiation functionality. A microwave imaging example based on a back-projection algorithm is implemented to demonstrate the meteorological detection capability of the designed antenna. The antenna is simulated and physically designed, yielding a measured impedance bandwidth of 9.6-14 GHz (37.39%), a 3-dB gain bandwidth of 10.6-13.56 GHz (23.5%), and a peak gain of 12.83 dBi at 12 GHz. Stable dual circularly and linearly polarized radiation is exhibited, demonstrating versatile polarization-switchable characteristics that are ideal for airborne meteorological radar systems to detect weather conditions ahead of the aircraft and enable simultaneous communication capabilities.

Keywords

Polarization-switchable antenna / Dual circular polarization (DCP) / Metasurface / Meteorological radar

References

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