Liquid-crystal-based reflectarray antenna with electronically switchable monopulse patterns

Abstract

A printed reflectarray antenna, which generates a beam that can be electronically switched from a sum to a difference radiation pattern, is presented. This is achieved by applying a bias voltage of 20 V to one-half of the aperture, which is constructed above a 500 µm cavity containing liquid crystals. Simulated results are shown to be in good agreement with measurements at X-band.