A liquid crystal phase shifter, a preparation method thereof, and a liquid crystal antenna system

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a liquid crystal phase shifter, a preparation method thereof, and a liquid crystal antenna system. The liquid crystal phase shifter includes at least one liquid crystal cell group, the liquid crystal cell group includes a first liquid crystal cell and a second liquid crystal cell stacked along the thickness direction of the liquid crystal phase shifter, and a connection layer disposed between the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, and the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell are connected via the connection layer; and a feeding structure including at least one feeding unit, the feeding unit is set in one-to-one correspondence with the liquid crystal cell group, and the feeding unit is configured to feed the liquid crystal cell group. The liquid crystal phase shifter provided by the embodiments of the present application saves the planar space occupied by it, realizes the miniaturized design of the liquid crystal phase shifter, and realizes the control and change of the electromagnetic wave signal of the dual-polarized antenna by the liquid crystal phase shifter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to, but is not limited to, the field of communication technologies, and particularly relates to a liquid crystal phase shifter, a preparation method thereof, and a liquid crystal antenna system. Background Art

[0002] With the advent of the 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology) era, as an important device in microwave components, a phase shifter can improve the power synthesis efficiency of microwave components or the synthesis efficiency of echo signals by changing the phase consistency of microwave components, realize beam switching and scanning, and improve the capabilities of communication systems.

[0003] Currently, the most widely used phase shifters are mainly mechanical analog phase shifters and electronic phase shifters. Mechanical analog phase shifters have a fatal drawback, that is, restricted by mechanical inertia, they cannot quickly change the phase in an extremely short time, while electronic phase shifters are too costly, have complex designs, poor intermodulation performance, and cannot perform continuous phase modulation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following is an overview of the subject matter described in detail in this application. This overview is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the claims.

[0005] Embodiments of this application provide a liquid crystal phase shifter, a preparation method thereof, and a liquid crystal antenna system.

[0006] Embodiments of this application provide a liquid crystal phase shifter. The liquid crystal phase shifter includes:

[0007] At least one liquid crystal unit group, where the liquid crystal unit group includes a first liquid crystal unit and a second liquid crystal unit stacked along the thickness direction of the liquid crystal phase shifter;

[0008] A connection layer, which is disposed between the first liquid crystal unit and the second liquid crystal unit, and the first liquid crystal unit and the second liquid crystal unit are connected via the connection layer; and

[0009] A feeding structure, including at least one feeding unit, where the feeding unit is set in one-to-one correspondence with the liquid crystal unit group, and the feeding unit is configured to feed power to the liquid crystal unit group.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the first liquid crystal cell includes a first substrate and a second substrate stacked along the thickness direction of the liquid crystal phase shifter, a first electrode located on one side of the first substrate close to the second substrate, a second electrode located on one side of the second substrate close to the first substrate, a first alignment layer located on one side of the first electrode close to the second electrode, a second alignment layer located on one side of the second electrode close to the first electrode, and a first liquid crystal group located between the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer;

[0011] The second liquid crystal cell includes a third substrate and a fourth substrate stacked along the thickness direction of the liquid crystal phase shifter, a third electrode located on one side of the third substrate close to the fourth substrate, a fourth electrode located on one side of the fourth substrate close to the third substrate, a third alignment layer located on one side of the third electrode close to the fourth electrode, a fourth alignment layer located on one side of the fourth electrode close to the third electrode, and a second liquid crystal group located between the third alignment layer and the fourth alignment layer;

[0012] Wherein, the first substrate and the third substrate are connected via the connection layer.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, both the first substrate and the third substrate are rigid substrates.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the connection layer includes at least one annular hole, and the annular hole penetrates through the connection layer along the thickness direction of the connection layer; the part of the connection layer inside the annular hole is denoted as the communication part, and the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell in the liquid crystal cell group are connected via the communication part.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the feeding unit includes a probe; the probe includes a first part and a second part, the first part is located in the first liquid crystal cell, and the second part is located on the third substrate;

[0016] Wherein, at least part of the orthographic projections of the first part and the second part on the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located overlap.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the first part includes a conductive column; at least one first via hole is provided in the first alignment layer, and the first via hole penetrates through the first alignment layer along the thickness direction of the first alignment layer;

[0018] At least one second via hole is provided in the second alignment layer, and the second via hole penetrates through the second alignment layer along the thickness direction of the second alignment layer;

[0019] One end of the conductive column is connected to the first substrate via the first via hole, and the other end of the conductive column is connected to the second electrode via the second via hole.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the first part further includes a first connection column; the first substrate is provided with at least one third via hole, and the third via hole penetrates the first substrate along the thickness direction of the first substrate; the first connection column is disposed in the third via hole;

[0021] Wherein, one end of the conductive column is connected to the first connection column disposed on the first substrate via the first via hole.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the third substrate is provided with at least one fourth via hole, the fourth via hole penetrates the third substrate along the thickness direction of the third substrate, and the second part is disposed in the fourth via hole;

[0023] Wherein, one end of the second part is connected to one end of the first connection column close to the connection layer via the connection layer, and the other end of the second part is connected to the third electrode.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid crystal phase shifter further includes a first spacer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; the first spacer is disposed around the edge of the first substrate;

[0025] The liquid crystal phase shifter further includes a second spacer disposed between the third substrate and the fourth substrate; the second spacer is disposed around the edge of the third substrate.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the connection layer includes at least one through slot, and the through slot penetrates the connection layer along the thickness direction of the connection layer; the positive projection of the through slot in the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located is located between the positive projections of two adjacent feeding units in the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, both the first substrate and the third substrate are flexible substrates.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the connection layer includes at least one coupling port, the coupling port penetrates the connection layer along the thickness direction of the connection layer, and the coupling port is set in one-to-one correspondence with the liquid crystal cell group;

[0029] Wherein, there is at least partial overlap between the positive projection of the coupling port in the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located, the positive projection of the second electrode in the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located, and the positive projection of the third electrode in the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid crystal phase shifter further includes a first spacer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; the first spacer surrounds the first liquid crystal group;

[0031] The liquid crystal phase shifter further includes a second spacer disposed between the third substrate and the fourth substrate; the second spacer surrounds the second liquid crystal group.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of the liquid crystal unit groups are arranged in a first direction, and the first direction is parallel to the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the feeding unit includes a radiation patch, and the radiation patch is located on a side of the first liquid crystal unit away from the second liquid crystal unit; at least a part of the orthographic projection of the radiation patch in the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located overlaps with the orthographic projection of the liquid crystal unit group in the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located.

[0034] An embodiment of the present application provides a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal phase shifter, which is applied to manufacture the liquid crystal phase shifter described in any of the above embodiments.

[0035] An embodiment of the present application provides a liquid crystal antenna system, including the liquid crystal phase shifter described in any of the above embodiments.

[0036] The liquid crystal phase shifter provided by the embodiment of the present application can realize feeding of the first liquid crystal unit and the second liquid crystal unit along the thickness direction of the liquid crystal phase shifter by arranging the liquid crystal unit group and the feeding structure, saves the plane space occupied by the liquid crystal phase shifter, realizes the miniaturized design of the liquid crystal phase shifter, and the first liquid crystal unit and the second liquid crystal unit can respectively adjust the phases of electromagnetic wave signals in different directions, realizing the control and change of the electromagnetic wave signals of the dual-polarized antenna by the liquid crystal phase shifter.

[0037] Implementing any product or method of the present invention does not necessarily require achieving all the above advantages at the same time. Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in the subsequent embodiments of the specification, and part of them will become obvious from the embodiments of the specification, or will be understood by implementing the present invention. The objectives and other advantages of the embodiments of the present application can be realized and obtained through the structures specifically pointed out in the specification, claims and drawings. Description of the Drawings

[0038] The drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the technical solutions of the present invention, and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present application to explain the technical solutions of the present invention, and do not constitute a limitation to the technical solutions of the present invention. The shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings do not reflect the true proportions, and the purpose is only to schematically illustrate the content of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 1 Top view schematic diagram of a liquid crystal phase shifter of a technology;

[0040] Figure 2 Side view schematic diagram of a liquid crystal phase shifter of a technology;

[0041] Figure 3 Structural schematic diagram of the liquid crystal phase shifter according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 4 Cross-sectional schematic diagram of the liquid crystal phase shifter according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 5 is Figure 4 Partial enlarged view of the marked position A shown;

[0044] Figure 6A Top view schematic of the first phase shifter component according to the embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0045] Figure 6B Top view schematic of the first phase shifter component according to the embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0046] Figure 7A Top view schematic of the second phase shifter component according to the embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0047] Figure 7B Top view schematic of the second phase shifter component according to the embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0048] Figure 8A Top view schematic of the liquid crystal phase shifter according to the embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0049] Figure 8B Top view schematic of the liquid crystal phase shifter according to the embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0050] Figure 9 Structural schematic diagram of the liquid crystal phase shifter according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 10 Cross-sectional schematic diagram of the liquid crystal phase shifter according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0052] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0053] 100 - patch, 200 - phase shifter unit;

[0054] 10 - First phase shifter component, 101 - First substrate, 102 - Second substrate, 103 - First electrode, 104 - Second electrode, 105 - First alignment layer, 106 - Second alignment layer, 107 - First liquid crystal group, 108 - First via hole, 109 - Second via hole, 110 - Third via hole;

[0055] 20 - Second phase shifter component, 201 - Third substrate, 202 - Fourth substrate, 203 - Third electrode, 204 - Fourth electrode, 205 - Third alignment layer, 206 - Fourth alignment layer, 207 - Second liquid crystal group, 208 - Fourth via hole;

[0056] 30 - Connection layer, 301 - Annular hole, 302 - Through groove, 303 - Communication part, 304 - Coupling port;

[0057] 40 - Feeding unit, 400 - Probe, 401 - Radiation patch, 402 - Conductive post, 403 - First connection post, 404 - Second connection post;

[0058] 50 - First spacer; 60 - Second spacer; 70 - First liquid crystal cell, 80 - Second liquid crystal cell. Detailed implementation mode

[0059] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure clearer and more understandable, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The implementation modes can be implemented in multiple different forms. It is easy for those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the fact that the modes and contents can be transformed into one or more forms without departing from the purpose and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited only to the contents described in the following implementation modes. Without conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined arbitrarily with each other.

[0060] In the drawings, sometimes for clarity, the sizes of one or more constituent elements, the thickness of layers or regions are exaggerated. Therefore, one mode of the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to this size, and the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings do not reflect the true proportions. In addition, the drawings schematically show ideal examples, and one mode of the present disclosure is not limited to the shapes or values shown in the drawings, etc.

[0061] The ordinal numbers such as "first", "second", "third", etc. in the present disclosure are set to avoid confusion of constituent elements, rather than to limit in terms of quantity. The "multiple" in the present disclosure includes two and more than two quantities.

[0062] In the present disclosure, for convenience, terms indicating orientation or positional relationship such as "middle", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. are used to describe the positional relationship of the constituent elements with reference to the accompanying drawings. This is only for the convenience of describing this specification and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation on the present disclosure. The positional relationship of the constituent elements is appropriately changed according to the direction describing the constituent elements. Therefore, it is not limited to the terms described in the specification and can be appropriately replaced according to the situation.

[0063] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "mounted", "connected", and "coupled" shall be construed in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate member, or the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to the circumstances.

[0064] In the present disclosure, a transistor refers to an element including at least three terminals: a gate electrode, a drain electrode, and a source electrode. The transistor has a channel region between the drain electrode (drain electrode terminal, drain region, or drain) and the source electrode (source electrode terminal, source region, or source), and current can flow through the drain electrode, the channel region, and the source electrode. In the present disclosure, the channel region refers to the region where current mainly flows.

[0065] In the present disclosure, the first pole can be the drain electrode and the second pole can be the source electrode, or the first pole can be the source electrode and the second pole can be the drain electrode. In the case of using transistors with opposite polarities or when the current direction changes during circuit operation, etc., the functions of the "source electrode" and the "drain electrode" are sometimes interchanged. Therefore, in the present disclosure, the "source electrode" and the "drain electrode" can be interchanged with each other.

[0066] In the present disclosure, "electrically connected" includes the case where the constituent elements are connected together through an element having a certain electrical effect. There is no particular limitation on the "element having a certain electrical effect" as long as it can transfer electrical signals between the constituent elements to be connected. Examples of the "element having a certain electrical effect" include not only electrodes and wirings, but also switching elements such as transistors, resistors, inductors, capacitors, and other elements having one or more functions.

[0067] In the present disclosure, "parallel" means a state where the angle formed by two straight lines is more than -10° and less than 10°, and thus, a state where the angle is more than -5° and less than 5° can be included. In addition, "perpendicular" means a state where the angle formed by two straight lines is more than 80° and less than 100°, and thus, a state where the angle is more than 85° and less than 95° can be included.

[0068] In the present disclosure, "film" and "layer" can be interchanged with each other. For example, sometimes "conductive layer" can be changed to "conductive film". Similarly, sometimes "insulating film" can be changed to "insulating layer".

[0069] "About" in the present disclosure means not strictly limiting the boundary and allowing values within the range of process and measurement errors.

[0070] The liquid crystal phase shifter can change the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal material by applying voltages to its upper and lower substrates to form overlapping capacitors, causing the phase constant of the electromagnetic wave on the liquid crystal phase shifter to change, and finally achieving the effect of adjusting the phase shift degree. The phase shift degree of the liquid crystal phase shifter refers to the phase difference between the input port and the output port.

[0071] In the related art, the single-polarization liquid crystal antenna transmits the electromagnetic wave signal to the microstrip line electrode of the liquid crystal phase shifter through the feeding network, having problems such as occupying a relatively large planar space of the liquid crystal phase shifter and a relatively complex structure. The top view schematic diagram of the liquid crystal phase shifter is as Figure 1 shown, and the side view schematic diagram of the liquid crystal phase shifter is as Figure 2 shown. The liquid crystal phase shifter includes a patch 100 and a phase shift unit 200.

[0072] An embodiment of the present application provides a liquid crystal phase shifter. The liquid crystal phase shifter includes:

[0073] At least one liquid crystal unit group, where the liquid crystal unit group includes a first liquid crystal unit and a second liquid crystal unit stacked along the thickness direction of the liquid crystal phase shifter;

[0074] A connection layer, which is disposed between the first liquid crystal unit and the second liquid crystal unit, and the first liquid crystal unit and the second liquid crystal unit are connected via the connection layer; and

[0075] A feeding structure, including at least one feeding unit, where the feeding unit is set in one-to-one correspondence with the liquid crystal unit group, and the feeding unit is configured to feed the liquid crystal unit group.

[0076] The liquid crystal phase shifter provided by the embodiment of the present application can realize the power feeding of the first liquid crystal unit and the second liquid crystal unit along the thickness direction of the liquid crystal phase shifter through the arranged liquid crystal unit group and the feeding structure, saving the plane space occupied by the liquid crystal phase shifter, realizing the miniaturized design of the liquid crystal phase shifter, and the first liquid crystal unit and the second liquid crystal unit can respectively adjust the phases of electromagnetic wave signals in different directions, realizing the control and change of the electromagnetic wave signals of the dual-polarized antenna by the liquid crystal phase shifter.

[0077] The technical solution of the embodiment of the present application will be described in detail below through specific embodiments.

[0078] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the liquid crystal phase shifter of the embodiment of the present application. As Figure 3 shown, the liquid crystal phase shifter may include a first phase shifter component 10 and a second phase shifter component 20 which are stacked. The liquid crystal phase shifter may further include a connection layer 30 located between the first phase shifter component 10 and the second phase shifter component 20. The first phase shifter component 10 and the second phase shifter component 20 are connected via the connection layer 30. The liquid crystal phase shifter may further include a feeding structure, and the feeding structure includes at least one feeding unit 40. The feeding unit 40 is configured to feed power to the first phase shifter component 10 and the second phase shifter component 20.

[0079] As Figure 3 shown, the feeding unit 40 may include a radiation patch 401 and a probe 400. As Figure 3 shown, only one arrangement form of the probe 400 is schematically shown. As Figure 3 shown, along the thickness direction (Z) of the liquid crystal phase shifter, neither end of the probe 400 penetrates the surface of the liquid crystal phase shifter. The radiation patch 401 may be located on the side of the first phase shifter component 10 away from the second phase shifter component 20. The probe 400 may be located between the first phase shifter component 10 and the second phase shifter component 20.

[0080] Figure 4 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal phase shifter of the embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 For Figure 4 the partial enlarged view of the marked position A shown. As Figure 4 、 Figure 5 shown, the first phase shifter component 10 includes at least one first liquid crystal unit 70 (the first liquid crystal unit 70 is as Figure 5 shown by the dashed line box). A plurality of first liquid crystal units 70 may be arranged along the first direction (X). The first liquid crystal unit 70 includes a first substrate 101 and a second substrate 102 which are stacked along the second direction (Z). A first gap is left between the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102 along the second direction.

[0081] The first liquid crystal cell 70 further includes a first electrode 103 on the side of the first substrate 101 close to the second substrate 102, and a second electrode 104 on the side of the second substrate 102 close to the first substrate 101. The first liquid crystal cell 70 further includes a first alignment layer 105 on the side of the first electrode 103 close to the second electrode 104, and a second alignment layer 106 on the side of the second electrode 104 close to the first electrode 103.

[0082] The first liquid crystal cell 70 further includes a first liquid crystal group 107, and the first liquid crystal group 107 includes a plurality of first liquid crystal molecules. The first liquid crystal group 107 is located between the first alignment layer 105 and the second alignment layer 106. The first liquid crystal molecules can be deflected under the action of the electric field applied by the first electrode 103 and the second electrode 104, so as to change the dielectric constant of the first liquid crystal group 107. Figure 4 It is only a schematic diagram of the first liquid crystal group 107 in a certain deflection angle.

[0083] In an exemplary embodiment, the first substrate 101 can be a rigid substrate or the like. The material of the rigid substrate can be glass, quartz or the like. The second substrate 102 can be set with reference to the first substrate 101.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, the first electrode 103 can be made of a metal material or a transparent conductive material. The metal material can include any one or more of silver (Ag), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti) and molybdenum (Mo). Or, the first electrode 103 can include an alloy material of metal materials such as silver (Ag), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti) and molybdenum (Mo). The transparent conductive material can include indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO) or the like.

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment, the first electrode 103 can be a single-layer structure or a multi-layer composite structure, such as Mo / Cu / Mo or ITO / Al / ITO, etc. The second electrode 104 can be set with reference to the first electrode 103.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the material of the first alignment layer 105 can include any one or more of polyimide, epoxy resin or fluoropolymer. The second alignment layer 106 can be set with reference to the first alignment layer 105.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, the first liquid crystal molecules can adopt nematic liquid crystal materials. Nematic liquid crystal materials have a large dielectric anisotropy, small absorption loss to microwaves, and advantages such as fast turning speed under an electric field.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown, the second phase shifter component 20 includes at least one second liquid crystal cell 80 (the second liquid crystal cell 80 is as shown in the Figure 5 dashed box). A plurality of second liquid crystal cells 80 may be arranged along the first direction (X). The second liquid crystal cell 80 includes a third substrate 201 and a fourth substrate 202 stacked along the second direction (Z). A second gap is left between the third substrate 201 and the fourth substrate 202 along the second direction.

[0089] The second liquid crystal cell 80 further includes a third electrode 203 on the side of the third substrate 201 close to the fourth substrate 202, and a fourth electrode 204 on the side of the fourth substrate 202 close to the third substrate 201. The second liquid crystal cell 80 further includes a third alignment layer 205 on the side of the third electrode 203 close to the fourth electrode 204, and a fourth alignment layer 206 on the side of the fourth electrode 204 close to the third electrode 203.

[0090] The second liquid crystal cell 80 further includes a second liquid crystal group 207, and the second liquid crystal group 207 includes a plurality of second liquid crystal molecules. The second liquid crystal group 207 is located between the third alignment layer 205 and the fourth alignment layer 206. The second liquid crystal molecules can be deflected under the action of the electric field applied by the third electrode 203 and the fourth electrode 204 to change the dielectric constant of the second liquid crystal group 207. Figure 4 It is only a schematic diagram of the second liquid crystal group 207 in a deflected angle.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, the materials of the third substrate 201 and the fourth substrate 202 may be set with reference to the first substrate 101. The materials of the third electrode 203 and the fourth electrode 204 may be set with reference to the first electrode 103. The materials of the third alignment layer 205 and the fourth alignment layer 206 may be set with reference to the first alignment layer 105. The second liquid crystal molecules may be set with reference to the first liquid crystal molecules.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, the connection layer 30 may be located between the first substrate 101 and the third substrate 201.

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment, the material of the connection layer 30 may be a conductive adhesive or the like.

[0094] In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid crystal phase shifter may include at least one liquid crystal cell group. A plurality of liquid crystal cell groups may be arranged along the first direction (X). One liquid crystal cell group may include one first liquid crystal cell 70 and one second liquid crystal cell 80 stacked along the second direction (Z). At least part of the orthographic projections of the first liquid crystal cell 70 and the second liquid crystal cell 80 in the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located overlap. The moving amount of the electromagnetic wave signal can be adjusted by adjusting the number of liquid crystal cell groups in the liquid crystal phase shifter, the design freedom of the liquid crystal phase shifter can be improved, and the use range of the liquid crystal phase shifter can be improved.

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, the feeding unit 40 is configured to feed a liquid crystal cell group. The liquid crystal cell group is provided in one-to-one correspondence with the feeding unit 40.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, the probe 400 is configured to connect the second electrode 104 and the third electrode 203. The probe 400 can be disposed between the second substrate 102 and the fourth substrate 202.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, the probe 400 may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be located in the first liquid crystal cell 70, and the second portion may be located in the third substrate 201. At least a part of the orthographic projections of the first portion and the second portion in the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located may overlap. For example, the orthographic projections of the first portion and the second portion in the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located overlap.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, the first portion may include a conductive column 402 and a first connecting column 403. The conductive column 402 may be located between the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102. The second portion may include a second connecting column 404. The second connecting column 404 may be located within the third substrate 201.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 4 、 Figure 5 shown, in the plane formed by the first direction and the second direction, the cross-sectional shape of the conductive column 402 may be a rectangle, a trapezoid, etc., or the conductive column 402 is formed by stacking a plurality of rectangles or trapezoids along the second direction, etc.

[0100] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 4 、 Figure 5 shown, in the plane formed by the first direction and the second direction, the cross-sectional shape of the first connecting column 403 may be a rectangle, a trapezoid, etc., or the first connecting column 403 is formed by stacking and combining a plurality of rectangles or trapezoids along the second direction, etc. As Figure 4 、 Figure 5 shown, only one cross-sectional shape of the first connecting column 403 is schematically shown. The first connecting column 403 is formed by stacking and combining a first trapezoid and a second trapezoid. The relatively narrower end of the first trapezoid is closer to the center in the thickness direction of the first substrate 101. The relatively narrower end of the second trapezoid is closer to the center in the thickness direction of the first substrate 101. The second connecting column 404 can be designed with reference to the first connecting column 403. The present disclosure does not limit the cross-sectional shapes and combination forms of the conductive column 402, the first connecting column 403, and the second connecting column 404 in the plane formed by the first direction and the second direction.

[0101] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, the liquid crystal phase shifter further includes a first spacer 50 disposed between the first alignment layer 105 and the second alignment layer 106. The projection of the first spacer 50 in the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located may surround a plurality of liquid crystal cell groups. The first spacer 50 is disposed around the edge of the first substrate 101.

[0102] In an exemplary embodiment, the first spacer 50 may be made of an inorganic material. The inorganic material may include any one or more of silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ), silicon nitride (SiN), silicon oxide (SiO), silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium dioxide (TiO2), etc.

[0103] In an exemplary embodiment, the first spacer 50 may be made of an organic material. The organic material may include one of polymers such as polyimide (PI), polyacrylate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, cellulose acetate propionate, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethersulfone resin (PES), polycarbonate (PC), polyetherimide (PEI), cycloolefin polymer (COP), silicone resin, polyaryl compound (PAR), or glass fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), or a mixture of multiple polymers.

[0104] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, in the plane formed by the first direction and the second direction, the cross-sectional shape of the first spacer 50 may be trapezoidal or rectangular, etc.

[0105] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, the liquid crystal phase shifter further includes a second spacer 60 disposed between the third alignment layer 205 and the fourth alignment layer 206. The projection of the second spacer 60 in the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located may surround a plurality of liquid crystal cell groups. The second spacer 60 may be disposed around the edge of the third substrate 201. The material and cross-sectional shape of the second spacer 60 may be designed with reference to the first spacer 50, and will not be elaborated herein.

[0106] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 5As shown, the first alignment layer 105 is provided with at least one first via 108, and the first via 108 penetrates the first alignment layer 105 along the thickness direction of the first alignment layer 105. The second alignment layer 106 is provided with at least one second via 109, and the second via 109 penetrates the second alignment layer 106 along the thickness direction of the second alignment layer 106. One end of the conductive column 402 is connected to the first connection column 403 via the first via 108. The other end of the conductive column 402 is connected to the second electrode 104 via the second via 109.

[0107] As Figure 5 shown, the first substrate 101 is provided with at least one third via 110, and the third via 110 penetrates the first substrate 101 along the thickness direction of the first substrate 101. The first connection column 403 is located in the third via 110. The third via 110 can be a cylindrical hole, a rectangular hole, a funnel-shaped hole, a trapezoidal hole, etc.

[0108] As Figure 5 shown, the third substrate 201 is provided with at least one fourth via 208, and the fourth via 208 penetrates the third substrate 201 along the thickness direction of the third substrate 201. The second connection column 404 is located in the fourth via 208. One end of the second connection column 404 is connected to one end of the first connection column 403 close to the connection layer 30 via the connection layer 30, and the other end of the second connection column 404 is connected to the third electrode 203. The liquid crystal phase shifter according to the embodiment of the present application can implement a probe feeding design structure along the thickness direction of the liquid crystal phase shifter by using the provided feeding unit, saving the planar space occupied by the liquid crystal phase shifter and realizing the miniaturized design of the liquid crystal phase shifter. When the electromagnetic wave signal enters the liquid crystal phase shifter through the feeding structure, the first liquid crystal unit and the second liquid crystal unit can respectively adjust the phase of the electromagnetic wave signals in different directions, thus realizing the control and change of the electromagnetic wave signals of the dual-polarized antenna by the liquid crystal phase shifter.

[0109] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 5As shown in the figure, the connection layer 30 is provided with at least one annular hole 301. The annular holes 301 are arranged in groups in one-to-one correspondence with the feeding units 40. The orthographic projection of the first connection column 403 on the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located is located inside the space enclosed by the annular holes 301. The orthographic projection of the second connection column 404 on the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located is located inside the space enclosed by the annular holes 301. The annular holes 301 penetrate through the connection layer 30 along the thickness direction of the connection layer 30. The part of the connection layer 30 located inside the annular holes 301 is denoted as the communication part 303, and the first liquid crystal unit and the second liquid crystal unit in the liquid crystal unit group are connected via the communication part 303. In the embodiment of the present application, the provided annular holes 301 can reduce the feeding loss of the feeding units 40. When the electromagnetic wave signal is received by the feeding unit 40, the electromagnetic wave signal can propagate between the first liquid crystal unit 70 and the second liquid crystal unit 80 via the conductive column 402, the first connection column 403, the communication part 303, and the second connection column 404. By using the provided annular holes 301, the interference between the electromagnetic wave signals propagated by two adjacent feeding units 40 can be avoided, and the signal loss can also be reduced. The part of the connection layer 30 other than the communication part 303 can play an electromagnetic shielding role, which can improve the transmission quality of the signal.

[0110] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 5 shown, the connection layer 30 is provided with at least one through slot 302. The through slot 302 penetrates through the connection layer 30 along the thickness direction of the connection layer 30. The orthographic projection of the through slot 302 on the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located is located between the orthographic projections of two adjacent feeding units 40 on the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located. By using the provided through slot 302, the feeding loss of the feeding units 40 can be reduced, and the overall performance of the liquid crystal phase shifter can be improved.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 5 shown, in the plane formed by the first direction and the second direction, the cross section of the through slot 302 can be rectangular or trapezoidal or the like.

[0112] In an exemplary embodiment, in the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located, the orthographic projection of the through slot 302 can be circular or rectangular or elliptical or pentagonal or the like.

[0113] Next, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application will be further described through a preparation process of a liquid crystal phase shifter according to the embodiment of the present application. Among them, the "lithography process" mentioned in this embodiment includes processes such as depositing a film layer, coating a photoresist, mask exposure, development, etching, and stripping the photoresist, which are mature preparation processes in the related art. Deposition can adopt known processes such as sputtering and chemical vapor deposition, coating can adopt known coating processes, and etching can adopt known methods, which will not be specifically limited here.

[0114] The preparation method of the liquid crystal phase shifter may include the following steps:

[0115] (1) Fabricate the first phase shifter component.

[0116] It includes operations such as cleaning, cutting, and drying the first substrate to obtain the first base plate.

[0117] Subsequently, use processes such as laser cutting on the first base plate to fabricate the third via hole.

[0118] Subsequently, deposit the first connection post in the third via hole using processes such as electroplating.

[0119] Subsequently, deposit the first electrode on one side of the first base plate obtained from the above operations.

[0120] Subsequently, prepare the first alignment layer on the side of the first electrode away from the first base plate. Preparing the first alignment layer may include dripping the alignment liquid onto the anilox roller through a spreader nozzle, then transferring the alignment liquid to the alignment plate of the cylindrical roller, subsequently transferring the alignment liquid on the alignment plate to the side of the first electrode away from the first base plate, then heating and drying to cause the alignment liquid to solidify into a film, and finally obtaining the first alignment layer through treatment methods such as rubbing alignment.

[0121] Subsequently, use a patterning process on the first alignment layer to fabricate the first via hole.

[0122] It also includes operations such as cleaning, cutting, and drying the second substrate to obtain the second base plate.

[0123] Subsequently, deposit the second electrode on one side of the second base plate.

[0124] Subsequently, prepare the second alignment layer on the side of the second electrode away from the second base plate. Preparing the second alignment layer may include dripping the alignment liquid onto the anilox roller through a spreader nozzle, then transferring the alignment liquid to the alignment plate of the cylindrical roller, subsequently transferring the alignment liquid on the alignment plate to the side of the second electrode away from the second base plate, then heating and drying to cause the alignment liquid to solidify into a film, and finally obtaining the second alignment layer through treatment methods such as rubbing alignment.

[0125] Subsequently, use a patterning process on the second alignment layer to fabricate the second via hole.

[0126] Pair the first base plate and the second base plate obtained from the above operations, and set conductive posts and fill the first liquid crystal molecules in the cell. A top view schematic diagram of the first phase shifter component is as shown in Figure 6A and Figure 6B shown.

[0127] (2) Fabricate the second phase shifter component.

[0128] It includes operations such as cleaning, cutting, and drying the third substrate to obtain the third base plate.

[0129] Subsequently, processes such as laser cutting are performed on the third substrate to fabricate the fourth vias.

[0130] Subsequently, processes such as electroplating are used to deposit the second connection posts within the fourth vias.

[0131] Subsequently, a third electrode is deposited on one side of the third substrate obtained from the above operations.

[0132] Subsequently, a third alignment layer is prepared on the side of the third electrode away from the third substrate obtained from the above operations.

[0133] It also includes operations such as cleaning, cutting, and drying the fourth substrate to obtain the fourth substrate.

[0134] Subsequently, a fourth electrode is deposited on one side of the fourth substrate.

[0135] Subsequently, a fourth alignment layer is prepared on the side of the fourth electrode away from the fourth substrate obtained from the above operations.

[0136] The third substrate and the second fourth substrate obtained from the above operations are subjected to a cell assembly operation, and the second liquid crystal molecules are filled into the cell. A top view schematic diagram of the second phase shifter assembly is as Figure 7A and Figure 7B shown.

[0137] (3) Connect the first phase shifter assembly and the second phase shifter assembly.

[0138] On the side of the first substrate away from the second substrate, a conductive adhesive is coated using processes such as coating.

[0139] Processes such as patterning are performed on the conductive adhesive to obtain a conductive adhesive pattern. The conductive adhesive pattern includes a plurality of through slots and annular holes.

[0140] The first phase shifter assembly and the second phase shifter assembly are bonded and fixed using the conductive adhesive pattern, and the cured conductive adhesive pattern forms a connection layer.

[0141] (4) Install the radiation patch.

[0142] The radiation patch is installed on the side of the first phase shifter assembly away from the second phase shifter assembly. A top view schematic diagram of the liquid crystal phase shifter is as Figure 8A and Figure 8B shown.

[0143] In an exemplary embodiment, for the process of fabricating the first phase shifter assembly, the operations of fabricating the first substrate and fabricating the second substrate can exchange the front - back operation sequence, or can be performed synchronously.

[0144] In an exemplary embodiment, the operations of fabricating the first phase shifter assembly and fabricating the second phase shifter assembly can exchange the front - back operation sequence, or can be performed synchronously.

[0145] In an exemplary embodiment, for the process of manufacturing the second phase shifter component, the operations of manufacturing the third substrate and manufacturing the fourth substrate can be exchanged in the front and back operation sequence, or can be carried out synchronously.

[0146] In an exemplary embodiment, for the process of manufacturing the second phase shifter component, the operations of manufacturing the second connecting post and manufacturing the third electrode can be exchanged in the front and back operation sequence.

[0147] In an exemplary embodiment, a conductive adhesive can be coated on the side of the third substrate away from the fourth substrate by processes such as coating. Then, processes such as patterning are applied to the conductive adhesive to obtain a conductive adhesive pattern.

[0148] In an exemplary embodiment, the operation of installing the radiation patch can be set before manufacturing the second phase shifter component.

[0149] Figure 9 This is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid crystal phase shifter according to another embodiment of the present application. As Figure 9 shown, the radiation patch 401 can be used to feed the first phase shifter component 10 and the second phase shifter component 20.

[0150] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal phase shifter according to another embodiment of the present application. As Figure 10 shown, the first substrate 101 can be set as a flexible substrate. The material of the flexible substrate can include one of polymers such as polyimide (PI), polyacrylate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, cellulose acetate propionate, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethersulfone resin (PES), polycarbonate (PC), polyetherimide (PEI), cycloolefin polymer (COP), silicone resin, polyaryl compound (PAR), or glass fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), or a mixture of multiple polymers. The third substrate 201 can be set as a flexible substrate. The material of the third substrate 201 can be set with reference to the first substrate 101. Compared with the liquid crystal phase shifter structure Figure 3 shown, the liquid crystal phase shifter provided in the embodiment of the present application uses a coupling method to replace the probe, which can simplify the manufacturing process and reduce the manufacturing cost of the liquid crystal phase shifter. Other structures of the liquid crystal phase shifter can be referred to the foregoing and will not be elaborated here.

[0151] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 10As shown, the connection layer 30 may include at least one coupling port 304. The coupling port 304 penetrates through the connection layer 30 along the thickness direction of the connection layer 30. The coupling ports 304 are set in one-to-one correspondence with the liquid crystal cell groups. At least partial overlap may exist between the positive projection of the coupling port 304 on the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located, the positive projection of the second electrode 104 on the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located, and the positive projection of the third electrode 203 on the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located. Exemplarily, the positive projection of the second electrode 104 on the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located and the positive projection of the third electrode 203 on the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located both cover the positive projection of the coupling port 304 on the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located.

[0152] In an exemplary embodiment, in the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located, the coupling port 304 may be circular, rectangular, oval, or the like.

[0153] The technical solution of the embodiments of the present application will be further described below through a preparation process of a liquid crystal phase shifter according to the embodiments of the present application. Among them, the "lithography process" mentioned in this embodiment includes processes such as depositing a film layer, coating a photoresist, mask exposure, development, etching, and stripping the photoresist, which are mature preparation processes in the related art. Deposition can adopt known processes such as sputtering and chemical vapor deposition, coating can adopt known coating processes, and etching can adopt known methods, which will not be specifically limited here.

[0154] The preparation method of the liquid crystal phase shifter may include the following steps:

[0155] (1) Fabricate the first phase shifter component.

[0156] This includes operations such as cleaning, cutting, and drying the first substrate to obtain the first substrate.

[0157] Subsequently, deposit the first electrode on one side of the first substrate.

[0158] Subsequently, prepare the first alignment layer on the side of the first electrode away from the first substrate. Preparing the first alignment layer may include dripping the alignment liquid onto the reticulated roller through a diffuser nozzle, then transferring the alignment liquid to the alignment plate of the cylindrical roller, subsequently transferring the alignment liquid on the alignment plate to the side of the first electrode away from the first substrate, and then heating and drying to solidify the alignment liquid into a film, and finally obtaining the first alignment layer through treatment methods such as rubbing alignment.

[0159] It also includes operations such as cleaning, cutting, and drying the second substrate to obtain the second substrate.

[0160] Subsequently, deposit the second electrode on one side of the second substrate.

[0161] Subsequently, a second alignment layer is prepared on the side of the second electrode away from the second substrate. Preparing the second alignment layer may include dripping an alignment liquid onto a gravure roller through a dispenser nozzle, then transferring the alignment liquid to the alignment plate of a cylindrical roller, and subsequently transferring the alignment liquid on the alignment plate to the side of the second electrode away from the second substrate. Then, it is heated and dried to solidify the alignment liquid into a film, and finally, a second alignment layer is obtained through treatment methods such as rubbing alignment.

[0162] The first substrate and the second substrate obtained from the above operations are aligned, and the first liquid crystal molecules are filled into the cell.

[0163] (2) Fabricate the second phase shifter assembly.

[0164] This includes operations such as cleaning, cutting, and drying a third substrate to obtain a third substrate.

[0165] Subsequently, a third electrode is deposited on one side of the third substrate.

[0166] Subsequently, a third alignment layer is prepared on the side of the third electrode away from the third substrate obtained from the above operations.

[0167] It also includes operations such as cleaning, cutting, and drying a fourth substrate to obtain a fourth substrate.

[0168] Subsequently, a fourth electrode is deposited on one side of the fourth substrate.

[0169] Subsequently, a fourth alignment layer is prepared on the side of the fourth electrode away from the fourth substrate obtained from the above operations.

[0170] The third substrate and the second and fourth substrates obtained from the above operations are aligned, and the second liquid crystal molecules are filled into the cell.

[0171] (3) Connect the first phase shifter assembly and the second phase shifter assembly.

[0172] A conductive adhesive is coated on the side of the first substrate away from the second substrate by processes such as coating.

[0173] The conductive adhesive is patterned by processes such as lithography to obtain a conductive adhesive pattern. The conductive adhesive pattern includes a plurality of through grooves and annular holes.

[0174] The first phase shifter assembly and the second phase shifter assembly are bonded and fixed using the conductive adhesive pattern, and the cured conductive adhesive pattern forms a connection layer.

[0175] (4) Install the radiation patch.

[0176] The radiation patch is installed on the side of the first phase shifter assembly away from the second phase shifter assembly.

[0177] In an exemplary embodiment, for the process of manufacturing the first phase shifter component, the operations of manufacturing the first substrate and manufacturing the second substrate can be exchanged in the front and back operation sequence, or can be carried out synchronously.

[0178] In an exemplary embodiment, the operations of manufacturing the first phase shifter component and manufacturing the second phase shifter component can be exchanged in the front and back operation sequence, or can be carried out synchronously.

[0179] In an exemplary embodiment, for the process of manufacturing the second phase shifter component, the operations of manufacturing the third substrate and manufacturing the fourth substrate can be exchanged in the front and back operation sequence, or can be carried out synchronously.

[0180] In an exemplary embodiment, a conductive adhesive can be coated on the side of the third substrate away from the fourth substrate by processes such as coating. Then, processes such as patterning are applied to the conductive adhesive to obtain a conductive adhesive pattern.

[0181] From the introduction of the above technical solutions and their preparation processes, it can be seen that the preparation of the liquid crystal phase shifter provided by the embodiments of the present application can be achieved by using existing mature preparation equipment. The preparation process is mature, the preparation process is simple, the manufacturing cost is low, the manufacturing accuracy is high, and it has good application prospects.

[0182] The embodiments of the present application provide a method for preparing a liquid crystal phase shifter. The preparation method is applied to prepare the liquid crystal phase shifter described in any of the above embodiments.

[0183] The embodiments of the present application provide a liquid crystal antenna system. The liquid crystal antenna system includes the liquid crystal phase shifter described in any of the above embodiments.

[0184] Although the disclosed embodiments of the present invention are as above, the above content is only an embodiment adopted for the convenience of understanding the present invention, and is not used to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention can make any modifications and changes in the form and details of the implementation without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed by the present invention. However, the scope of patent protection of the present invention shall still be subject to the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal phase shifter, characterized in that, Comprising: At least one liquid crystal cell group, the liquid crystal cell group including a first liquid crystal cell and a second liquid crystal cell stacked along the thickness direction of the liquid crystal phase shifter; the first liquid crystal cell includes a first substrate and a second substrate stacked along the thickness direction of the liquid crystal phase shifter, a first electrode on one side of the first substrate close to the second substrate, a second electrode on one side of the second substrate close to the first substrate, a first alignment layer on one side of the first electrode close to the second electrode, a second alignment layer on one side of the second electrode close to the first electrode, and a first liquid crystal group between the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer; the second liquid crystal cell includes a third substrate and a fourth substrate stacked along the thickness direction of the liquid crystal phase shifter, a third electrode on one side of the third substrate close to the fourth substrate, a fourth electrode on one side of the fourth substrate close to the third substrate, a third alignment layer on one side of the third electrode close to the fourth electrode, a fourth alignment layer on one side of the fourth electrode close to the third electrode, and a second liquid crystal group between the third alignment layer and the fourth alignment layer; A connection layer, the connection layer being provided between the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, and the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell being connected via the connection layer; the first substrate and the third substrate are connected via the connection layer; both the first substrate and the third substrate are rigid substrates; And A feeding structure, including at least one feeding unit, the feeding unit being provided in one-to-one correspondence with the liquid crystal cell group, and the feeding unit being configured to feed power to the liquid crystal cell group; the feeding unit includes a probe; the probe includes a first part and a second part, the first part being located in the first liquid crystal cell, and the second part being located in the third substrate; Wherein, at least a part of the orthographic projections of the first part and the second part on the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located overlap.

2. The liquid crystal phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein, The connection layer includes at least one annular hole, and the annular hole penetrates through the connection layer along the thickness direction of the connection layer; The part of the connection layer located inside the annular hole is denoted as a communication part, and the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell in the liquid crystal cell group are connected via the communication part.

3. The liquid crystal phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that The first part includes a conductive column; at least one first via hole is provided in the first alignment layer, and the first via hole penetrates through the first alignment layer along the thickness direction of the first alignment layer; At least one second via hole is provided in the second alignment layer, and the second via hole penetrates through the second alignment layer along the thickness direction of the second alignment layer; One end of the conductive column is connected to the first substrate via the first via hole, and the other end of the conductive column is connected to the second electrode via the second via hole.

4. The liquid crystal phase shifter according to claim 3, wherein The first part further includes a first connection column; at least one third via hole is provided in the first substrate, and the third via hole penetrates through the first substrate along the thickness direction of the first substrate; the first connection column is provided in the third via hole; One end of the conductive column is connected to the first connection column provided on the first substrate via the first via hole.

5. The liquid crystal phase shifter according to claim 4, wherein The third substrate is provided with at least one fourth via hole, the fourth via hole penetrates the third substrate along the thickness direction of the third substrate, and the second part is disposed in the fourth via hole; One end of the second part is connected to one end of the first connection column close to the connection layer via the connection layer, and the other end of the second part is connected to the third electrode.

6. The liquid crystal phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid crystal phase shifter further includes a first spacer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; the first spacer is disposed around the edge of the first substrate; The liquid crystal phase shifter further includes a second spacer disposed between the third substrate and the fourth substrate; the second spacer is disposed around the edge of the third substrate.

7. The liquid crystal phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that The connection layer includes at least one through groove, the through groove penetrates the connection layer along the thickness direction of the connection layer; a positive projection of the through groove in the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located is located between positive projections of two adjacent feeding units in the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located.

8. The liquid crystal phase shifter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that A plurality of the liquid crystal cell groups are arranged in a first direction, and the first direction is parallel to the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located.

9. The liquid crystal phase shifter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The feeding unit includes a radiation patch, the radiation patch is located on a side of the first liquid crystal cell away from the second liquid crystal cell; at least part of a positive projection of the radiation patch in the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located overlaps with a positive projection of the liquid crystal cell group in the plane where the liquid crystal phase shifter is located.

10. A method for preparing a liquid crystal phase shifter, characterized in that, Applied to prepare the liquid crystal phase shifter according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A liquid crystal antenna system, characterized in that, Including the liquid crystal phase shifter according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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