Multi-mode dielectric resonator antenna with controllable radiation pattern

An integrated multi-mode hemisphere DRA with controllable permittivity or permeability is proposed and its radiation patterns is analyzed theoretically against the variation in these parameters. The higher order mode excitation of DRA is considered, so that the control of directional patterns can flexibly be achieved. The analysis is conducted in the receiving mode when the DRA is placed on the infinite ground plane. The electromagnetic fields inside the hemisphere DRA excited by an incident plane wave are calculated using the rigorous solution of the corresponding boundary value problem. It is shown the possibility of controlling the DRA´s radiation pattern with variation of its permittivity/permeability. The results can be applied in the design of antenna systems, which are capable of pattern control, pattern synthesis, beamforming and so forth.