Application of varactor diodes for reflectarray phase control

Abstract

A new approach for beam steering in reflectarray applications is introduced in this paper. The progressive phase distribution is achieved by loading each microstrip patch element with a varactor diode on the radiating edge. In the following, the scattering characteristics of a single varactor loaded patch antenna will be presented. As a proof of concept, the beam steering capability of a five elements linear reflectarray has been experimentally investigated.