Beam Scanning Antenna with Photonically Tuned EBG Phase Shifters

In this paper we describe a phase array antenna architecture which has been experimentally tested in the laboratory. A photoconductive phase shifter using microswitches has been proposed, fabricated and used in the antenna. We have demonstrated the antenna´s scanning capability near plusmn30deg. The ability to achieve such a wide beam scan when operated by low power LEDs makes them attractive over the existing mechanical or electrical phased array antennas. The half-power beamwidth (HPBW) of the pattern is almost maintained in all steered states. However it is worth noting that the level of the side lobes needs to reduced