Flexible pattern synthesis with SIW LWAs

In this work it is illustrated how unconventional pattern synthesis can be obtained with a recently proposed leaky-wave antenna (LWA) in substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology. By adequately modulating the SIW width W and the distance between vias P, it is shown how unusual tapering of the leaky-mode complex propagation constant is efficiently achieved. In this way, exceptional tailored radiation patterns are obtained for the first time in a single-layer printed-circuit LWA, while assuring optimum radiation efficiency for all the designs. A transverse resonance technique is used in order to determine the modulation of the geometrical parameters of the antenna that are required to synthesize the tapered leaky-mode designs. Finally, the designed prototypes have been validated by using commercial full-wave software.