A Wideband Holographic Array with Azimuth and Elevation Beam Steering for 5G/6G Applications

TL;DR

This paper introduces a wideband holographic antenna with azimuth and elevation beam steering, suitable for 5G/6G, demonstrating high gain, compact size, and 2D scanning capabilities through innovative design and fabrication.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel leaky-wave holographic array with anisotropic properties enabling wideband, 2D beam steering for future wireless networks, with a simple, scalable design.

Findings

Operates from 16 GHz to 20 GHz with 22.22% bandwidth.

Achieves a gain of 24.5 dB with high directivity.

Demonstrates effective 2D beam steering and polarization control.

Abstract

This paper presents the design and fabrication of leaky-wave holograms with anisotropic properties, enabling circular polarization for single-beam radiation in desired directions. Tailored for future terrestrial networks like 5G, 6G, and beyond, the proposed antenna achieves high-gain performance with beam steering in elevation and azimuth over a wide angular range. A planar reflector enhances directivity by suppressing backward modes, while a simple feeding network ensures optimal impedance matching. The antenna operates efficiently from 16 GHz to 20 GHz (22.22% bandwidth), delivering a gain of 24.5 dB, with compact dimensions of 15 cm by 17 cm. The structure includes a reflector, monopoles, a patterned patch, a Rogers 4003C substrate, a ground plane, and a coaxial feed. Simulations, experiments, and theoretical analyses confirm the design's efficacy, showcasing 2D scanning capabilities ideal for autonomous vehicle localization systems. Its simple, scalable design supports cost-effective mass production, offering significant potential for industrial applications.