Single-Layer Circularly-Polarized Ka-Band Antenna Using Gap Waveguide Technology

A single-layer circularly polarized array antenna is proposed in the context of the so-called gap waveguide (GW) technology. This ultracompact antenna combines the corporate-feeding network and the radiating apertures over one single layer, standing out among other solutions proposed so far in this technology. Apertures are backed by chamfered cylindrical cavities and are fed through a corporate feeding network, which combines both groove and ridge GWs. Cavities are naturally integrated within the bed of nails hosting grooves and ridges, leading to a very low-profile 4x4 array. Experimental results are presented to confirm the good radiation performance obtained by simulations. The proposed array architecture may be seamlessly enlarged to any size thanks to the scalability of the gap-based corporate feeding network, making this solution very attractive for medium to high-gain applications.