Novel reflectarray element with variable phase characteristics

The paper describes a novel dipole reflectarray element with variable reflection phase. The element is described and array waveguide simulator measurement data demonstrating its phase shifting properties is presented. The element was developed originally as a mechanism for antenna pattern tuning of a fixed-beam crossed-dipole reflectarray. However, it might also be applied, using small electric motors, to achieve electronic scanning or active beam reshaping. These potential applications are discussed briefly.