A uniplanar low-sidelobe periodic leaky-wave antenna based on a metamaterial-inspired substrate integrated waveguide

We analyze and design a uniplanar and low-sidelobe periodic leaky-wave antenna (PLWA), suitable for millimeter- wave 5G applications. The antenna is synthesized by etching a non-uniform pattern of transverse slots on the top plane of a metamaterial-inspired substrate integrated waveguide (SIW). Uniplanar complementary split-ring resonators (CSRRs) sub- stitute the conventional metalized via holes, to construct the CSRR SIW. The CSRR SIW is uniplanar and presents a low- loss, low-cost and easy-to-fabricate alternative for millimeter- wave communications. The proposed CSRR-SIW-based PLWA features low sidelobes, high gain and a beam-scanning ability. The antenna performance is similar to PLWAs implemented using the conventional SIW. The proposed design is also accompanied by a considerably simpler fabrication process, hence rendering the CSRR-SIW PLWA an appealing choice for 5G applications.