A circuits-based modeling approach for leaky-wave antennas using a transverse equivalent network representation

A modeling approach is developed for planar leaky-wave antennas (LWAs) where the guiding surface is characterized as a scalar transfer impedance such that the structure is represented by its transverse equivalent network in the spectral domain. This modeling procedure allows antenna designers to represent LWAs with an equivalent circuit which includes the antenna source for radiated power calculations and efficiency investigations. To demonstrate these concepts a numerical example is provided of a single-layer metallic strip grating LWA printed on a grounded dielectric slab. Proposed modeling techniques can also be applied to other single-layer LWA structures as well as more advanced multilayer configurations.