77 GHz reconfigurable reflectarray with nematic liquid crystal

Abstract

A 77 GHz liquid crystal microstrip reflectarray with beam reconfiguration capability in one dimension is presented. The free-standing reflector (without feed) has been characterized with respect to its reflection phase and magnitude. While it is possible to tune the reflection phase through almost 300°, the associated reflection losses are still quite high. Nevertheless the pattern measurements of the reflectarray showed distinct beam collimation towards different angles when appropriate DC control voltages are applied. (5 pages)