Reflectarray Antennas

11Reflectarray Engineering and Emerging Applications

As discussed in the previous chapters, planar reflectarray antennas combine the favorable features of both printed arrays and parabolic reflectors and create a low‐profile, low‐mass, and low‐cost antenna. This unique technology has rapidly been evolving over the past few decades and a multitude of new potential applications have been envisioned for reflectarrays. In this chapter, we will take a closer look at some of the advanced configurations and applications that have been developed over the years.

11.1 Advanced Reflectarray Geometries

11.1.1 Conformal Reflectarrays

11.1.1.1 Analysis of Conformal Reflectarrays

The feasibility of designing reflectarray antennas on conformal surfaces was studied in [1]. In general, a reflectarray antenna imitates the conventional parabolic reflectors, with the added advantage of having a flat surface instead of the curved reflecting surface. The surface of the reflectarray antenna consists of phase changing elements, which create a collimated beam and are usually distributed on a planar aperture. A notable advantage of individual control over the phase of the elements is that, the reflectarray surface does not have to be restricted to a planar geometry.

Several applications require the use of conformal antenna technology. While the need for a conformal antenna system generally depends on the specific application, the advantages can usually be attributed to either mechanical (aerodynamic, ...