Tunable composite right/left-handed leaky wave antenna based on a rectangular waveguide using liquid crystals

A leaky wave antenna based on a composite right/left-handed waveguide structure is presented. The antenna features beam steering capabilities for a fixed operation frequency of 7.6 GHz. The frequency independent tunability is obtained by inclusion of liquid crystal (LC) material whose dielectric properties can be tuned by static external electric or magnetic fields. Simulations as well as measurements of a built prototype are shown for scattering parameters and far field patterns. The maximum obtained beam tilt amounts to ±10° around broadside.