Scan blindness in infinite phased arrays of printed dipoles

TLDR

The study investigates scan blindness in infinite phased arrays of printed dipole antennas. The authors use a rigorous moment‑method calculation of array impedance versus scan angle and a simple Floquet‑to‑surface‑wave coupling theory to predict scan blindness. Measured input reflection coefficients for different spacings and substrates confirm the predicted scan‑blindness condition.

Abstract

A comprehensive study of infinite phased arrays of printed dipole antennas is presented, with emphasis on the scan blindness phenomenon. A rigorus and efficient moment method procedure is used to calculate the array impedance versus scan angle. Data are presented for the input reflection coefficient for various element spacings and substrate parameters. A simple theory, based on coupling from Floquet modes to surface wave modes on the substrate, is shown to predict the occurrence of scan blindness. Measurements from a waveguide simulator of a blindness condition confirm the theory.