Dual-band Ku-band Scanning Leaky-Wave Antenna For Satellite Communications

High gain planar antennas have been investigated using an optimised partially reflecting surface (PRS) placed on a top-open waveguide and fed by a WR-62 waveguide aperture. The PRS consists of an array of switchable slot patches to allow dual-band operation. Initially the reflection phase of the PRS is investigated for the two stages of the switching diode located at the center of a slot cut on the patches proving a suitable performance of the PRS reflection characteristics. The dual-band operation of the 1D antenna has been analysed using full wave 3D electromagnetic simulations showing two frequency bands at [13.67, 14.04GHz] with directivity over 16dBi and 13dBi respectively. Additionally, a mechanical reconfiguration mechanism is incorporated to the antenna that allows modifying the cavity dimension and in turn scanning on the elevation plane up to ~30° at each band.