New considerations and challenges for millimeter wave antennas

There are a variety of new wireless communication and planned satellite applications that aim to utilize millimeter wave frequencies for their radio links. Point-to-point communication systems such as local multipoint distribution services (LMDS) and broadband wireless systems, with high data rates, have been proposed to provide simultaneous services to a substantial number of users through a centralized millimeter wave radio hub. Another example of radio wave links requiring millimeter waves are the point-to-point systems as in PCS (personal communication systems) network, where millimeter wave radio links are used between the base station controllers and base transceiver stations. Associated with all these applications are new challenges towards developing new antennas that can be integrated with also new mm-wave circuitry and other technologies needed for future radio communication systems. Some of these challenges in developing new antennas, active devices and circuits, and using dielectric material integrated with the above in making reliable and efficient integrated radio circuits are emphasized. A description of some of the related research and development in millimeter quasi-optical power combining is presented. Further fundamental details on this and on other mentioned challenges are addressed