A printed millimetre wave array using a low loss dielectric waveguide feeder

A new type of basically slow-wave periodically modulated millimeter wave array is developed which uses the low-loss characteristics of the insular dielectric waveguide configuration. The design of the array is implemented by combining a theoretical analysis with empirically derived data. The results of measurements performed on the constructed model show that the design objectives are achieved, including reduced ground plane losses, low fabrication cost, lightweight, flat profile and suitability of integration with dielectric waveguide integrated circuit front ends. By paralleling a number of the line scanners along the x-direction, a two-dimensional array can be realized. In addition, the array exhibits frequency scanning characteristics which can be well predicted by the approximate theory.