Pattern Conversion Methods for EHo-Mode Microstrip Leaky Wave Antenna

This paper presents the newly-developed beam pattern conversion methods on the pin-loaded microstrip leaky wave antenna (MLWA) from dual beams to a single one in its transversal plane. By etching U-shaped slots around shorting pins or placing another out-of-phase EHo-mode MLWA besides the original one, the initial dual-beam patterns can be successfully reshaped into a single fan-shaped beam in the transversal plane. Their working principles are compared and discussed, which shows the intrinsic differences between the two methods. The corresponding radiation characteristics are also measured to show their advantages in antenna array application.