Antenna and metasurface structure for antenna

Abstract

An antenna comprising at least a metasurface structure assembly and a feed. The feed is coupled with the metasurface structure assembly and is operable to provide a first type of electromagnetic radiation having a first radiation characteristic to the metasurface structure assembly. The metasurface structure assembly is operable to receive the first type of electromagnetic radiation having the first radiation characteristic from the feed and to convert the first type of electromagnetic radiation into a second type of electromagnetic radiation, and then to convert the second type of electromagnetic radiation into the first type of electromagnetic radiation having a second radiation characteristic for radiation from the metasurface structure assembly. The first radiation characteristic is different from the second radiation characteristic.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to antennas and metasurface structures for antennas. Background Technology

[0002] Electromagnetic waves in the millimeter-wave (mmWave) band can be used for various imaging and other applications. One problem associated with these electromagnetic waves in the millimeter-wave band is that they may suffer from high atmospheric attenuation.

[0003] To compensate for attenuation losses, high-gain antennas, such as reflector array antennas, can be used. However, the problem is that the feed or power source of existing reflector array antennas is generally placed far from the reflector array aperture to improve antenna gain and aperture efficiency. This makes the antenna relatively bulky and therefore difficult to integrate into some relatively small devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an antenna comprising a metasurface structure assembly and a feed. The feed is coupled to the metasurface structure assembly. The feed is operable to provide the metasurface structure assembly with first type electromagnetic radiation having a first radiation characteristic. The metasurface structure assembly is operable to receive the first type electromagnetic radiation having the first radiation characteristic from the feed, convert the first type electromagnetic radiation having the first radiation characteristic into second type electromagnetic radiation, and then convert the second type electromagnetic radiation into first type electromagnetic radiation having a second radiation characteristic for radiation from the metasurface structure assembly. The first radiation characteristic differs from the second radiation characteristic. The metasurface structure assembly can radiate the first type electromagnetic radiation having the second radiation characteristic in a direction away from the feed.

[0005] A first radiation characteristic may be associated with one or more of gain, phase, radiation pattern, etc. A second radiation characteristic may be associated with one or more corresponding of gain, phase, radiation pattern, etc. For example, a first radiation characteristic includes a first radiation pattern having a first general (e.g., average) direction of travel, while a second radiation characteristic includes a second radiation pattern having a second general (e.g., average) direction of travel, which is different from the first general (e.g., average) direction of travel. For example, the directivity of the first radiation pattern is lower than the directivity of the second radiation pattern. For example, a first radiation characteristic includes a first gain while a second radiation characteristic includes a second gain, wherein the second gain is greater than the first gain. The difference (one or more) between the first and second radiation characteristics may originate from different phases or phase distributions.

[0006] In some implementations, the antenna may be arranged to operate in a transmission mode (to provide electromagnetic radiation), or in a reception mode (to receive electromagnetic radiation), or both.

[0007] Optionally, the first type of electromagnetic radiation includes one of right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves and left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves. Optionally, the second type of electromagnetic radiation includes the other of right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves and left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves. In one example, the first type of electromagnetic radiation includes right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves while the second type of electromagnetic radiation includes left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves.

[0008] Optionally, the feed source is integrated with the metasurface structure component.

[0009] Optionally, the metasurface structure assembly includes at least a first metasurface structure having a first side and a second side (e.g., opposite sides) and a second metasurface structure having a first side and a second side (e.g., opposite sides). Optionally, the first and second metasurface structures are spaced apart such that at least a portion of the second side of the first metasurface structure faces at least a portion of the first side of the second metasurface structure, thereby defining a space between them. In one example, the first and second metasurface structures are spaced apart such that the entire second side of the first metasurface structure faces the entire first side of the second metasurface structure, thereby defining a space between them. Optionally, a feed source is coupled to the second metasurface structure.

[0010] In some examples, in plan view, the first metasurface structure and the second metasurface structure have substantially the same shape and / or size. In other examples, in plan view, the first metasurface structure and the second metasurface structure have different shapes and / or sizes.

[0011] Optionally, the feed source is positioned facing the second side of the first metasurface structure.

[0012] Optionally, the first metasurface structure includes a receiver-transmitter metasurface structure that can receive and / or transmit specific electromagnetic radiation.

[0013] Optionally, the second metasurface structure includes a reflective metasurface structure that can reflect specific electromagnetic radiation.

[0014] Optionally, the feed source is operable to transmit or radiate first-type electromagnetic radiation having first radiation characteristics to a second side of the first metasurface structure. Optionally, the first metasurface structure is operable to reflect first-type electromagnetic radiation with first radiation characteristics incident on its second side to a first side of the second metasurface structure. Optionally, the second metasurface structure is operable to convert first-type electromagnetic radiation incident on its first side into second-type electromagnetic radiation for reflecting second-type electromagnetic radiation from the first side of the second metasurface structure to the second side of the first metasurface structure. Optionally, the first metasurface structure is further operable to receive second-type electromagnetic radiation incident on its second side and convert the second-type electromagnetic radiation into first-type electromagnetic radiation with second radiation characteristics for radiating from its first side.

[0015] In one example operation of the antenna, a feed source transmits or radiates first-type electromagnetic radiation with first radiation characteristics to a second side of a first metasurface structure. The first metasurface structure then reflects the first-type electromagnetic radiation with the first radiation characteristics to a first side of a second metasurface structure. The first side of the second metasurface structure receives the reflected first-type electromagnetic radiation, converts it into second-type electromagnetic radiation, and reflects the second-type electromagnetic radiation back to the second side of the first metasurface structure. The first metasurface structure receives the second-type electromagnetic radiation reflected from the second metasurface structure, processes it into first-type electromagnetic radiation with the second radiation characteristics, and then radiates the first-type electromagnetic radiation with the second radiation characteristics from the first side of the first metasurface structure.

[0016] Optionally, the first metasurface structure is arranged to reflect first-type electromagnetic radiation incident on its second side such that the reflection angle of the first-type electromagnetic radiation is different from the incident angle of the first-type electromagnetic radiation.

[0017] Optionally, the first metasurface structure is arranged to reflect first-type electromagnetic radiation incident on its second side such that the reflection angle of the first-type electromagnetic radiation is smaller than the incident angle of the first-type electromagnetic radiation.

[0018] Optionally, the first metasurface structure and the second metasurface structure are arranged in a substantially parallel manner.

[0019] Optionally, the first metasurface structure includes: a substrate assembly having a first surface located on a first side of the first metasurface structure and a second surface located on a second side of the first metasurface structure, a ground plane connected to the substrate assembly, and a plurality of conductive elements connected to the substrate assembly.

[0020] Optionally, the substrate assembly includes a first substrate layer and a second substrate layer, or consists only of a first substrate layer and a second substrate layer. Optionally, a ground plane is disposed between the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer.

[0021] Optionally, each of the plurality of conductive elements includes a first conductive sheet disposed on a first surface, a second conductive sheet disposed on a second surface, and a connector disposed in the substrate assembly and electrically connecting the first and second conductive sheets. The connector may include a via, a probe, etc. Optionally, the ground plane has an opening through which the connector can pass, and the connector does not directly contact the ground plane.

[0022] Alternatively, multiple conductive elements are arranged such that the first metasurface structure can provide multiple (e.g., 2) resonances.

[0023] Optionally, the first and second conductive sheets of the same conductive element have substantially the same shape, form and / or size.

[0024] In some examples, in the plan view, the first and second conductive plates of the same conductive element are substantially aligned and / or occupy substantially the same footprint. In other examples, in the plan view, the first and second conductive plates of the same conductive element are not aligned and / or occupy different footprints.

[0025] Optionally, some of the first conductive sheets among at least a plurality of conductive elements have different orientations. Optionally, some of the second conductive sheets among at least a plurality of conductive elements have different orientations.

[0026] Optionally, in the plan view, the first conductive sheet (at least one, some, or all) has a generally E-shaped structure. Optionally, the generally E-shaped structure includes, or consists of only, the following portions: a head, a first arm extending away from the head and elongating in a first direction, a second arm extending away from the head and elongating in the first direction, and a third arm extending away from the head and elongating in the first direction. The second arm is disposed between the first arm and the third arm. The generally E-shaped structure also includes a bridging portion spaced apart from the head and connecting the first arm and the second arm.

[0027] Optionally, in the plan view, the second conductive sheet (at least one, some, or all) has a generally E-shaped structure. Optionally, the generally E-shaped structure includes, or consists of only, the following portions: a head, a first arm extending away from the head and elongating in a first direction, a second arm extending away from the head and elongating in the first direction, and a third arm extending away from the head and elongating in the first direction. The second arm is disposed between the first arm and the third arm. The generally E-shaped structure also includes a bridging portion spaced apart from the head and connecting the first arm and the second arm.

[0028] Optionally, the second metasurface structure includes: a substrate having a first surface located on a first side of the second metasurface structure and a second surface located on a second side of the second metasurface structure, a ground plane connected to the substrate, and a plurality of conductive sheets disposed on the first surface of the substrate. The substrate may include one or more substrate layers.

[0029] Optionally, the grounding plane is arranged on the second surface of the substrate.

[0030] Alternatively, in the plan view, the conductive sheets (at least one, some, or all) have a generally Maltese-cross-shaped structure.

[0031] Optionally, the generally Maltese cross-shaped structure includes a central portion and four arms that are angularly spaced (e.g., uniformly) and each arm extends away from the central portion. In a plan view, the four arms may have generally the same shape and / or size.

[0032] Optionally, at least a portion of the feed source is arranged in or on the second metasurface structure.

[0033] Optionally, the second metasurface structure includes an opening, and at least a portion of the feed source is received in the opening.

[0034] Optionally, in the plan view, the feed source is arranged at the center or central portion of the second metasurface structure.

[0035] Optionally, the feed source includes a waveguide, such as an open-ended waveguide.

[0036] Optionally, the feed source includes an oscillator, such as an integrated circuit-based oscillator.

[0037] Optionally, the antenna also includes a moving mechanism arranged to move at least one of the first metasurface structure and the second metasurface structure for beam steering.

[0038] Optionally, the moving mechanism includes a rotating mechanism arranged to rotate at least one of the first and second metasurface structures. The rotating mechanism can cause the first and second metasurface structures to rotate about the same axis of rotation. Alternatively, the rotating mechanism can cause the first and second metasurface structures to rotate about different axes (preferably parallel). Optionally, the rotating mechanism can be operated to cause relative rotation between the first and second metasurface structures. Optionally, the rotating mechanism can be operated to rotate the first and second metasurface structures in the same direction (both clockwise or both counterclockwise). Optionally, the rotating mechanism can be operated to rotate the first and second metasurface structures in opposite directions (one clockwise, the other counterclockwise).

[0039] Optionally, the antenna is arranged to operate in at least a portion of the millimeter wave frequency or millimeter wave band (about 30 GHz to about 300 GHz).

[0040] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a system comprising the antenna of the first aspect. For example, the system may be a communication system (e.g., radar), an imaging system (e.g., a confocal microscope), etc.

[0041] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a first metasurface structure for a metasurface structure assembly of an antenna of the first aspect.

[0042] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a second metasurface structure for the metasurface structure assembly of the antenna of the first aspect.

[0043] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a metasurface structure for use as a metasurface structure assembly for an antenna of the first aspect. The metasurface structure includes: a substrate assembly having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a ground plane coupled to the substrate assembly; and a plurality of conductive elements coupled to the substrate assembly. The metasurface structure has opposing first and second sides. The metasurface structure is operable to reflect first type electromagnetic radiation received on its second side. The metasurface structure is operable to receive second type electromagnetic radiation on its second side and convert it into first type electromagnetic radiation for radiation from its first side. The first type electromagnetic radiation received on the second side of the metasurface structure may differ from the first type electromagnetic radiation radiated from the first side of the metasurface structure (e.g., in one or more aspects such as radiation pattern, general direction of travel, gain, etc.). Optionally, the first type electromagnetic radiation includes one of right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves and left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves. Optionally, the second type electromagnetic radiation includes the other of right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves and left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves. In one example, the first type electromagnetic radiation includes right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves while the second type electromagnetic radiation includes left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves.

[0044] Optionally, the substrate assembly includes a first substrate layer and a second substrate layer, or consists only of a first substrate layer and a second substrate layer. Optionally, a ground plane is disposed between the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer.

[0045] Optionally, each of the plurality of conductive elements includes a first conductive sheet disposed on a first surface, a second conductive sheet disposed on a second surface, and a connector disposed in the substrate assembly and electrically connecting the first and second conductive sheets. The connector may include a via, a probe, etc. Optionally, the ground plane has an opening through which the connector can pass, and the connector does not directly contact the ground plane.

[0046] Optionally, the first and second conductive sheets of the same conductive element have substantially the same shape, form and / or size.

[0047] In some examples, in the plan view, the first and second conductive plates of the same conductive element are substantially aligned and / or occupy substantially the same footprint. In other examples, in the plan view, the first and second conductive plates of the same conductive element are not aligned and / or occupy different footprints.

[0048] Optionally, at least some of the first conductive sheets among the plurality of conductive elements have different orientations. Optionally, at least some of the second conductive sheets among the plurality of conductive elements have different orientations.

[0049] Optionally, in the plan view, the first conductive sheet (at least one, some, or all) has a generally E-shaped structure. Optionally, the generally E-shaped structure includes, or consists of only, the following portions: a head, a first arm extending away from the head and elongating in a first direction, a second arm extending away from the head and elongating in the first direction, and a third arm extending away from the head and elongating in the first direction. The second arm is disposed between the first arm and the third arm. The generally E-shaped structure also includes a bridging portion spaced apart from the head and connecting the first arm and the second arm.

[0050] Optionally, in the plan view, the second conductive sheet (at least one, some, or all) has a generally E-shaped structure. Optionally, the generally E-shaped structure includes, or consists of only, the following portions: a head, a first arm extending away from the head and elongating in a first direction, a second arm extending away from the head and elongating in the first direction, and a third arm extending away from the head and elongating in the first direction. The second arm is disposed between the first arm and the third arm. The generally E-shaped structure also includes a bridging portion spaced apart from the head and connecting the first arm and the second arm.

[0051] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a metasurface structure for use as a metasurface structure assembly for an antenna of the first aspect. The metasurface structure includes: a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a ground plane coupled to the substrate, and a plurality of conductive sheets disposed on the first surface of the substrate. The substrate may include one or more substrate layers. The metasurface structure has opposing first and second sides. The first side of the metasurface structure is operable to receive first type electromagnetic radiation and convert it into second type electromagnetic radiation for reflection. Optionally, the first type of electromagnetic radiation includes one of right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves and left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves, while the second type of electromagnetic radiation includes the other of right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves and left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves. In one example, the first type of electromagnetic radiation includes right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves, while the second type of electromagnetic radiation includes left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves.

[0052] Optionally, the grounding plane is disposed on the second surface of the substrate.

[0053] Alternatively, in the plan view, the conductive sheets (at least one, some, or all) have a generally Maltese cross-shaped structure.

[0054] Optionally, the generally Maltese cross-shaped structure includes a central portion and four arms that are angularly spaced (e.g., uniformly) and each arm extends away from the central portion. In a plan view, the four arms may have generally the same shape and / or size.

[0055] Optionally, the metasurface structure includes an opening for receiving at least a portion of the antenna feed.

[0056] Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Where appropriate and applicable, any one or more features described herein with respect to one aspect or embodiment may be combined with any one or more other features described herein with respect to any one or more other aspects or embodiments.

[0057] In this document, depending on the context, degree terms related to quantity or condition (e.g., “generally,” “approximately,” “about,” “roughly,” etc.) are used to consider at least one of the following: manufacturing tolerances, degradation, assembly, use, trends, tendencies, imperfect realities, etc. In some examples, when degree terms (such as “about”) are used to modify numerical values, this expression may include the stated numerical value ±15%, ±10%, ±5%, ±2%, or ±1%.

[0058] In this document, unless otherwise stated, the terms “connection,” “linkage,” “installation,” “coupling,” etc. are intended to cover both direct and indirect connections, links, installations, couplings, etc. Attached Figure Description

[0059] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0060] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram (cross-sectional side view) illustrating an antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention and the propagation paths of multiple waves in an example operation;

[0061] Figure 1B It is shown Figure 1A A schematic diagram showing the antenna operatively connected to a moving mechanism for beam steering according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 2A This illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A A schematic diagram (cross-sectional side view) of a portion of the upper metasurface structure of the antenna;

[0063] Figure 2B It is shown Figure 2A A schematic diagram (expanded view) of the part;

[0064] Figure 2C It is shown Figure 2A A schematic diagram (top view) of the part;

[0065] Figure 3A This shows that when a right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic wave is incident on... Figure 2A When the lower surface of part, Figure 2A A graph of the simulated reflection phase of a portion;

[0066] Figure 3B This shows that when a left-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic wave is incident on... Figure 2A When the lower surface of part, Figure 2A A graph of the simulated transmission phase;

[0067] Figure 4A This shows that when a right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic wave is incident on... Figure 2A When the lower surface of part, Figure 2A A graph showing the simulated reflection amplitude of a portion of the sample;

[0068] Figure 4B This shows that when a left-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic wave is incident on... Figure 2A When the lower surface of part, Figure 2A A graph showing the simulated transmission amplitude of a portion of the data;

[0069] Figure 5A This illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A A schematic diagram (perspective view) of a portion of the lower metasurface structure of the antenna;

[0070] Figure 5B It is shown Figure 5AA schematic diagram (top view) of the part;

[0071] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5A A graph showing the simulated reflection phase and amplitude;

[0072] Figure 7A This illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A A schematic diagram (top view) of the upper metasurface structure of the antenna;

[0073] Figure 7B This illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the upper metasurface structure of the antenna (bottom view);

[0074] Figure 8 This illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A A schematic diagram (top view) of the lower metasurface structure of the antenna;

[0075] Figure 9A This illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A A diagram of the simulated normalized radiation pattern of the antenna (in the xoz plane);

[0076] Figure 9B This illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A A diagram of the simulated normalized radiation pattern of the antenna (in the yoz plane);

[0077] Figure 10A This illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A A graph showing the simulated gain of the antenna at different frequencies;

[0078] Figure 10B This illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A A graph showing the axial ratio of the antenna at different frequencies;

[0079] Figure 11A This illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B The simulated gain (xoz plane scan) of the antenna at different elevation angles is shown in the figure.

[0080] Figure 11B This illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B The simulated gain (yoz plane scan) of the antenna at different elevation angles; and

[0081] Figure 12 This is a functional block diagram of an antenna according to some embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0082] Figure 12Antenna 1200 according to some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. Antenna 1200 generally includes a metasurface structure assembly 1202 and a feed 1204 coupled to the metasurface structure assembly 1202. Feed 1204 is operable to provide metasurface structure assembly 1202 with first type electromagnetic radiation having a first radiation characteristic. Metasurface structure assembly 1202 is operable to receive the first type electromagnetic radiation from feed 1204, convert the first type electromagnetic radiation into second type electromagnetic radiation (i.e., change one or more characteristics of the first type electromagnetic radiation), and then convert it back into first type electromagnetic radiation with the second radiation characteristic for radiation from metasurface structure assembly 1202. The first radiation characteristic differs from the second radiation characteristic. Metasurface structure assembly 1202 can radiate first type electromagnetic radiation with the second radiation characteristic in any direction (e.g., in a direction away from feed 1204). In this arrangement, antenna 1200 operates in transmission mode. In some examples, antenna 1200 is arranged to operate only in transmission mode. In some examples, for instance, antenna 1200 is arranged to selectively operate in both a transmission mode and a reception mode. In some embodiments, antenna 1200 is configured such that the first type of electromagnetic radiation and the second type of electromagnetic radiation have different circularly polarized electromagnetic waves. For example, the first type of electromagnetic radiation includes one of right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves and left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves, while the second type of electromagnetic radiation includes the other of right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves and left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves. Metasurface structure assembly 1202 can be configured to process left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves with first radiation characteristics provided by feed 1204 to convert them into corresponding left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves with second radiation characteristics (different from the first radiation characteristics) (i.e., by changing the phase or phase distribution of the electromagnetic waves). Alternatively, metasurface structure assembly 1202 can be configured to process right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves with first radiation characteristics provided by feed 1204 to convert them into corresponding right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves with second radiation characteristics (different from the first radiation characteristics) (i.e., by changing the phase or phase distribution of the electromagnetic waves). Feed source 1204 is positioned close to metasurface structure assembly 1202. In some embodiments, feed source 1204 is integrated with metasurface structure assembly 1202 (e.g., directly disposed on or within metasurface structure assembly 1202). In some embodiments, metasurface structure assembly 1202 includes a plurality (two or more) spaced-apart metasurface structures.

[0083] In some embodiments, antenna 1200 also includes a moving mechanism 1206 arranged to move one or more portions of metasurface structure assembly 1202 during operation of antenna 1200 to perform beam steering, for example, to guide first-type electromagnetic radiation radiated by metasurface structure assembly 1202. The moving mechanism may be a motor mechanism.

[0084] In some embodiments, antenna 1200 is adapted to operate at least a portion of millimeter-wave frequencies or millimeter-wave bands (e.g., about 30 GHz to about 300 GHz). Antenna 1200 can be used in or incorporated into different systems, such as, but not limited to, communication systems (e.g., radar), imaging systems (e.g., confocal microscopes), etc.

[0085] Some example implementations of antenna 1200 will now be described. It should be noted that antenna 1200 may be implemented in ways different from these example implementations.

[0086] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An antenna 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The antenna 100 of this embodiment can be considered as a low-profile folded reflective array metasurface system with beam steering capability.

[0087] Antenna 100 includes a metasurface structure assembly 102 and a feed 104 coupled to the metasurface structure assembly 102. The feed 104 is operable to provide the metasurface structure assembly 102 with first type electromagnetic radiation having a first radiation characteristic (e.g., radiation pattern). The metasurface structure assembly 102 is operable to receive the first type electromagnetic radiation (having the first radiation characteristic (e.g., radiation pattern)) from the feed 104 and convert it into second type electromagnetic radiation (i.e., changing one or more characteristics of the first type electromagnetic radiation), and then into first type electromagnetic radiation having a second radiation characteristic (e.g., radiation pattern different from the first radiation characteristic) for radiation from the metasurface structure assembly 102. The metasurface structure assembly 102 can radiate the first type electromagnetic radiation with the second radiation characteristic in any direction (e.g., away from the feed 104). In this embodiment, the first type electromagnetic radiation includes right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves, and the second type electromagnetic radiation includes left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves. The first and second radiation characteristics can have different radiation patterns, different general radiation directions, different gains, different phases or phase distributions, etc.

[0088] In this embodiment, the metasurface structure assembly 102 includes an upper metasurface structure 102U and a lower metasurface structure 102L, which are in the form of two generally circular disks arranged generally parallel to each other. The upper metasurface structure 102U is a receiver-transmitter (R / T) metasurface structure having an upper side and a lower side and capable of receiving and transmitting (e.g., selectively) at least some electromagnetic radiation. The lower metasurface structure 102L is a reflective metasurface structure having an upper side and a lower side and capable of reflecting at least some electromagnetic radiation. The upper metasurface structure 102U and the lower metasurface structure 102L are spaced apart such that the lower side of the upper metasurface structure 102U faces the upper side of the lower metasurface structure 102L, thereby defining a space or cavity therebetween. In this embodiment, in a plan view (when viewed from above), the upper metasurface structure 102U and the lower metasurface structure 102L have generally the same shape and size.

[0089] In this embodiment, the feed 104 is integrated with the lower metasurface structure 102L. Specifically, the lower metasurface structure 102L defines a central opening 102LO, and the feed 104 is received in the opening 102LO. The feed 104 faces the lower side of the upper metasurface structure 102U. Although not shown, the feed may extend beyond the lower side of the lower metasurface structure 102L or be coupled to one or more other components located on or near the lower side of the lower metasurface structure 102L. In this embodiment, the feed 104 is a waveguide, specifically an open waveguide.

[0090] In this embodiment, as will be described in more detail below, the upper metasurface structure 102U is operable to (i) receive left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves and convert the received left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves into right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves for radiation or transmission, and (ii) reflect right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves. Furthermore, the lower metasurface structure 102L is operable to convert incident right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves into left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves for reflection.

[0091] In this embodiment, the feed 104 is operable to transmit or radiate a right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic wave having a first radiation characteristic (radiation pattern, general radiation direction, gain, phase or phase distribution, etc.) to the lower side of the upper metasurface structure 102U. The upper metasurface structure 102U is operable to reflect the right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic wave incident on its lower side (e.g., from the feed 104) to the upper side of the lower metasurface structure 102L. In this example, the upper metasurface structure 102U is arranged to reflect the right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic wave incident on its lower side such that the reflection angle of the right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic wave is different from (e.g., smaller than) the incident angle of the right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic wave. The lower metasurface structure 102L is operable to convert the right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic wave incident on its upper side (e.g., from the upper metasurface structure 102U) into a left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic wave for reflection from its upper side to the lower side of the upper metasurface structure 102U. The upper metasurface structure 102U is further operable to receive left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves incident on its lower side (e.g., from the lower metasurface structure 102L) and convert them into right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves with second radiation characteristics (radiation pattern, general direction of radiation, gain, phase or phase distribution, etc., different from the first radiation characteristics) for radiation from its upper side. The left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves received on the lower side of the upper metasurface structure 102U and the right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves radiated from the upper side of the upper metasurface structure 102U can have one or more further different radiation characteristics (i.e., in addition to polarization differences, these further different radiation characteristics are, for example, phase, directivity, gain, etc.).

[0092] like Figure 1B As shown, antenna 100 also includes a moving mechanism 106 arranged to move one or both of the upper metasurface structure 102U and the lower metasurface structure 102L for beam steering. In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 106 includes a rotation mechanism arranged to rotate one or both of the upper metasurface structure 102U and the lower metasurface structure 102L about the same axis of rotation (e.g., in a manner similar to the operation of a Risley prism). The rotation mechanism can cause relative rotation between the upper metasurface structure 102U and the lower metasurface structure 102L. The moving mechanism can be a motor mechanism. In some embodiments, the moving mechanism 106 may additionally or alternatively include a translation mechanism to move one or both of the upper metasurface structure 102U and the lower metasurface structure 102L to adjust their spacing and / or alignment.

[0093] Figure 1A An example operation is shown. For example... Figure 1AAs shown, a right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic wave is radiated from the feed 104 (open waveguide) along trace 1. The wave in trace 1 reaches the lower side of the upper metasurface structure 102U. The lower part of the upper metasurface structure 102U is arranged in O r Create a virtual focus at the specified location. Figure 1A In the middle, from bottom to top, the reflective element of the lower metasurface structure 102L, the lower conductive sheet of the conductive element of the upper metasurface structure 102U, the upper conductive sheet of the conductive element of the upper metasurface structure 102U, and the virtual focus O. r The z-coordinates are defined as z1, z2, z3, and z4, respectively. The open waveguide feed 104 and the virtual focus O are also included. r The Cartesian coordinates of ' can be represented as (0,0,z1) and (0,0,z4), respectively. At the same (x, y) position, the Cartesian coordinates of the reflecting element of the lower metasurface structure 102L, the lower conductive plate of the conductive element of the upper metasurface structure 102U, and the upper conductive plate of the conductive element of the upper metasurface structure 102U can be represented as (x,y,z1), (x,y,z2), and (x,y,z3), respectively. Therefore, the phase distribution of the lower part of the upper metasurface structure 102U... It can be calculated using the following equation:

[0094]

[0095] Where k0 is the free-space wavenumber at the center frequency of the operation. After being reflected by the upper metasurface structure 102U, the right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic wave propagates along trace 2 and reaches the lower metasurface structure 102L. For the lower metasurface structure 102L, the feed 104 can be considered to be located at O. r 'Location. The lower metasurface structure 102L compensation comes from O.' r The spatial phase delay is introduced, and a phase gradient is used to deflect the direction of the generated plane wave. The desired phase distribution can be expressed as follows:

[0096]

[0097] Where p2 is the phase gradient introduced by the lower metasurface structure 102L. Furthermore, the right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic wave is converted into a left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic wave by the lower metasurface structure 102L. When the left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic wave reflected from the lower metasurface structure 102L reaches the upper metasurface structure 102U, it is received on the lower side of the upper metasurface structure 102U, converted into a right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic wave, and then radiated on the upper side of the upper metasurface structure 102U. The same phase gradient is introduced on the upper side of the upper metasurface structure 102U for beam steering, which can be expressed by the following equation:

[0098]

[0099] Where p1 is the phase gradient introduced into the transport portion of the upper metasurface structure 102U.

[0100] Traditional space-fed reflector arrays place the source in O r To ensure high gain and avoid large incident angles, the antenna 100 of this embodiment reduces the spatial feed distance by confining the right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves from the feed source 104 between the upper metasurface structure 102U and the lower metasurface structure 102L.

[0101] In this embodiment, the beam steering function is achieved through a phase gradient transformation. After phase compensation, the phase distribution of the upper aperture of the metasurface structure 102U (at height Z3, assuming the thickness of the conductive element is negligible) and the upper aperture of the metasurface structure 102L (at height Z1, assuming the thickness of the conductive element is negligible) becomes substantially uniform (except for the phase gradient).

[0102] like Figure 1B As shown, when the upper metasurface structure 102U and the lower metasurface structure 102L are rotated clockwise by angles α1 and α2 respectively around the rotation axis (the central axis in this example) in the plane, their phase shift transformation (expressed in the original coordinates) becomes:

[0103]

[0104]

[0105] in and These represent the output phases of the upper metasurface structure 102U element and the lower metasurface structure 102L element, respectively. The total phase distribution of the upper aperture of the upper metasurface structure 102U can be expressed as two output phases and a uniform reference phase. The sum:

[0106]

[0107] Equation (6) shows that a new phase distribution can be formed for radiation by rotating the upper and lower metasurface structures. The generated beam angle of this new phase distribution can be derived by the following equation:

[0108]

[0109]

[0110] For the case where p1 = p2 = p, equations (7) and (8) can be further simplified to:

[0111]

[0112]

[0113] From equations (9) and (10), it can be seen that the scanning range of antenna 100 is 0°≤θ≤arcsin(2p / k0), 0°≤φ≤360°.

[0114] Return to reference Figure 1A The wave propagation direction along trace 2 is determined by the reflection phase of the upper metasurface structure 102U. Furthermore, O can be obtained by extrapolating trace 2. r Therefore, the profile suppression ratio (F2 / F1) can be controlled by appropriately designing or modifying the reflection phase of the lower part of the upper metasurface structure 102U.

[0115] Figures 2A to 2C An embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1A A portion 200 of the upper metasurface structure 102U of the antenna 100. The upper metasurface structure 102U includes or is formed of a plurality of such portions 200 (which may have different sizes).

[0116] like Figures 2A to 2C As shown, portion 200 includes a substrate assembly 202 having an upper surface 202U and a lower surface 202L, a ground plane 204 connected to the substrate assembly, and a conductive element 206 connected to the substrate assembly. In this embodiment, the substrate assembly 202 includes two substrate layers 202A and 202B. In this example, each of the two substrate layers 202A and 202B is a 0.508 mm thick Rogers RT / duroid 5880 substrate. The ground plane 204 is disposed between the two substrate layers 202A and 202B. An adhesive film 208 is disposed between the ground plane 204 and the substrate layer 202B. In this example, the adhesive film is an RO4450F film that bonds the two substrate layers 202A and 202B. In this embodiment, the conductive element 206 includes an upper conductive sheet 206U disposed on the upper surface 202U of the substrate assembly 202, a lower conductive sheet 206L disposed on the lower surface 202L of the substrate assembly 202, and a connector 206C disposed in the substrate assembly 202 and electrically connecting the upper conductive sheet 206U and the lower conductive sheet 206L. In this example, the connector 206C is a metal via (shaped like a probe) that extends substantially perpendicularly in the substrate assembly relative to the conductive sheets 206U and 206L (through layers 202A, 202B and the ground plane 204). Figure 2B As shown, the ground plane 204 includes a generally circular opening through which the connector 206C can pass without contacting the ground plane 204.

[0117] In this example, the upper conductive plate 206U is arranged to transmit or radiate right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves, while the lower conductive plate 206L is arranged to receive left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves and reflect right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves. The conductive element 206 can convert the received left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves into right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves. In this example, the upper and lower conductive plates have substantially the same shape and size and are substantially aligned, occupying substantially the same footprint in a plan view.

[0118] In this example, both the upper conductive sheet 206U and the lower conductive sheet 206L have a generally E-shaped structure. Figure 2C The generally E-shaped structure of the upper conductive sheet 206U is clearly shown (in this example, it is generally the same as the generally E-shaped structure of the lower conductive sheet 206L). The generally E-shaped structure of the conductive sheets is designed to provide two resonances to achieve a wide bandwidth.

[0119] like Figure 2C As shown, the generally E-shaped structure of the conductive sheet 206U includes several parts connected together or integrally formed: a head H, a first arm A1 extending away from the head H and elongating in direction D, a second arm A2 extending away from the head H and elongating in direction D, and a third arm A3 extending away from the head H and elongating in direction D. The second arm A2 is a central arm disposed between the first arm A1 and the third arm A3. The generally E-shaped structure also includes a bridging portion B spaced apart from the head H and connecting the first arm A1 and the second arm A2. This creates different current paths for generating a circularly polarized (CP) wave. In this example, the head H has a generally semi-circular or generally arcuate shape, which is used for impedance matching. Therefore, the head H can be considered as the impedance matching portion.

[0120] Table I lists the parameter values ​​for part 200 in this example.

[0121] Table I: Parameter values ​​of some 200 in this embodiment

[0122] P r <![CDATA[L1]]> <![CDATA[L2]]> <![CDATA[L3]]> <![CDATA[L4]]> 2.2mm 0.92mm 0.97mm 0.75mm 0.6mm 0.1mm <![CDATA[L5]]> <![CDATA[L6]]> <![CDATA[w1]]> <![CDATA[w2]]> <![CDATA[w3]]> 0.9mm 1.1mm 0.45mm 0.79mm 1.05mm

[0123] In this embodiment, the upper metasurface structure 102U has multiple upper conductive plates and multiple lower conductive plates, and the reflection and transmission phases of the upper metasurface structure 102U are controlled by changing the orientation of the different conductive plates. In this example, if the incident wave is a right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic wave, the upper metasurface structure 102U operates as a reflector to reflect it; if the incident wave is a left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic wave, the upper metasurface structure 102U receives the wave and changes the transmission phase distribution (including converting it into a right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic wave) for high-gain radiation.

[0124] Figure 3A This illustrates when a right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic wave is incident on... Figure 2A When the lower surface of part 200 is... Figure 2A Part of the 200 simulated reflection phase. Figure 3B This illustrates when a left-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic wave is incident on... Figure 2A When the lower surface of part 200 is... Figure 2A Part 200 of the analog transmission phase. From Figure 3A and Figure 3B It can be seen that the reflection phase is mainly or only controlled by the orientation of the lower conductive plate, because the lower part of the upper metasurface structure 102U reflects most of the incident right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves. For left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves, both the upper and lower conductive plates participate in the modulation of the transmission phase.

[0125] Figure 4A This illustrates when a right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic wave is incident on... Figure 2A When the lower surface of part 200 is... Figure 2A The simulated reflection amplitude of part 200. Figure 4B This illustrates when a left-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic wave is incident on... Figure 2A When the lower surface of part 200 is... Figure 2A Part of the 200 analog transmission amplitude.

[0126] Figure 5A and Figure 5B An embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1A The lower metasurface structure 102L of the antenna 100 is a portion 500. The lower metasurface structure 102L includes or is formed of a plurality of such portions 500 (which may have different sizes).

[0127] like Figure 5A As shown, portion 500 includes a substrate 502 (or substrate layer) having an upper surface and a lower surface, a ground plane 504 connected to the lower surface of the substrate 502, and a conductive sheet 506 disposed on the upper surface of the substrate 502. Figure 1A As shown, the conductive sheet 506 is generally aligned with the corresponding conductive element (sheet) of the upper metasurface structure 102U. In this example, the substrate 502 is a 0.508 mm thick RT / duroid 5880 substrate. The ground plane 204 is arranged to expand or improve the phase tuning range and convert circularly polarized electromagnetic waves.

[0128] like Figure 5BAs best shown in this example, the conductive sheet 506 has a generally Maltese cross-shaped structure. This generally Maltese cross-shaped structure comprises multiple connected or integrally formed portions: a central portion C (generally rectangular or square in plan view) and four arms A1, A2, A3, A4 (generally trapezoidal in plan view). The four arms A1, A2, A3, A4 are angularly spaced (uniformly) and extend away from the central portion C. In this example, in plan view, the four arms A1, A2, A3, A4 have generally the same shape and size. The conductive sheet 506 can be printed on a substrate 502. In this example, the conductive sheet 506 is arranged to convert incident right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves into left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves for reflection, thereby compensating for spatial phase delay and providing a phase gradient.

[0129] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5A Part 500 of the simulated reflection phase and amplitude. From Figure 6 It can be seen that by adjusting the size of the component to change its resonant frequency, the reflection phase can be fully covered 360° (where the reflectivity is higher than 0.99 from 55 GHz to 70 GHz).

[0130] In one example, the profile suppression ratio (F2 / F1) was set to 4, and the distance between the two metasurfaces F1 was set to 9.4 mm. At the specified frequency of 60 GHz, the phase distribution was calculated based on equations (1), (2) and (3), where the maximum beam steering angle θ = 40° and the phase gradients are equal: p1 = p2 = 0.3214k0.

[0131] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is shown in the example. Figure 1A The upper and lower sides of the upper metasurface structure 102U of the antenna 100, and Figure 8 It shows Figure 1A The lower metasurface structure 102L of the antenna 100 is located on the upper side (located in the upper part of the antenna 100). Figure 8 The center aperture corresponds to the feed position. For example... Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the upper metasurface structure 102U includes multiple Figures 2A to 2C Part 200 is shown, in which at least some conductive elements (sheets) are arranged in different orientations. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the lower metasurface structure 102L includes multiple Figure 5A and Figure 5B The portion 500 shown has at least some conductive sheets arranged in different orientations. In this example, each of the upper metasurface structure 102U and the lower metasurface structure 102L has 293 elements and a diameter of 41.8 mm (8.36λ0).

[0132] The effectiveness of the above design was verified by using the CST Microwave Studio for full-wave simulation.

[0133] Figure 9A and Figure 9B It shows Figure 1A Antenna 100 (based on Figures 7A to 8 The simulated normalized radiation patterns are constructed (in the xoz and yoz planes, respectively).

[0134] Figure 10A and Figure 10B It shows Figure 1A Antenna 100 (based on Figures 7A to 8 (Construct) the analog gain and axial ratio at different frequencies. For example... Figure 10A and Figure 10B As shown, the achieved analog gain is 23.4 dBic, corresponding to an aperture efficiency of 31.7%. During the tested operating frequencies, the 3 dB gain bandwidth was from 54 GHz to 67.2 GHz (21.8%), and the 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth was from 52.2 GHz to 74.3 GHz (35%).

[0135] In addition, simulations were performed in the xoz and yoz planes using five elevation angles (from 0° to 40° in 10° increments) to demonstrate the 2D beam steering capability of the antenna in the above embodiment. Figure 11A and Figure 11B The simulated gain for xoz plane scan and yoz plane scan are shown respectively. Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown, the analog gain remained stable within a 2.4 dB variation, and the sidelobes were less than -13.9 dB throughout the scan range.

[0136] Table II lists the beam angles and orientations of metasurface structures 102U and 102L in this example.

[0137] Table II: Metasurface Structure Rotation Angle Calculated for a Selected Beam Angle in One Example

[0138]

[0139]

[0140] In the example above, one of the main functions of antenna 100 is to mechanically steer the generated high-gain beam. An off-axis high-gain beam is generated in the upper aperture of the upper metasurface structure 102U by compensating for spatial phase delay and introducing a phase gradient. The elevation angle of the beam can be adjusted by controlling the relative (angular) orientation of the upper and lower metasurface structures, while the azimuth angle is controlled by the sum of the rotation angles of the upper and lower metasurface structures. In the example above, antenna 100 is thin (e.g., one-quarter the thickness compared to some conventional transmit array antennas).

[0141] In the above example, antenna 100 (metasurface system) is designed to operate at 60 GHz. However, the invention is not limited to operation at 60 GHz. The same principles can be used to design and manufacture antenna 100 suitable for operation at other frequencies or bands. As an alternative example, the antenna can be applied to a 28 GHz communication system. The mechanical beam steering capability of antenna 100 makes it suitable for applications such as confocal microscopes and radar systems.

[0142] The antennas of some embodiments of the present invention have one or more of the following features or advantages. In some embodiments, the antenna is relatively thin, which is beneficial for making the antenna portion in modern communication devices more compact. In some embodiments, the antenna integrates beam steering functionality. Similar to Risley prisms, mechanical beam scanning means are compact, relatively insensitive to vibration, and / or easy to install. Beam steering capability is particularly useful in a variety of applications such as imaging, mobile satellite communications (SOTM), and radar systems. The antennas of some embodiments of the present invention can be relatively easily manufactured based on standard PCB technology.

[0143] In some embodiments, the antenna uses a folded reflective array mechanism, which can significantly reduce the antenna profile and trap electromagnetic (EM) waves within a space or cavity defined by the metasurface structure. In some embodiments, the radiated high-gain beam can be controlled by mechanically rotating the metasurface structure (similar to a Risley prism). In some embodiments, an antenna fed with an open waveguide (OEWG) can achieve a beam steering range of ±40° over a wide bandwidth.

[0144] Some embodiments of the present invention can be used to make antenna portions in millimeter-wave communication and imaging systems more compact. In some embodiments, an integrated circuit (IC)-based oscillator (e.g., a millimeter-wave IC-based oscillator) can be used as a feed for an antenna with a folded reflective array to reduce the antenna profile. In some embodiments, the antenna can be manufactured as an antenna-in-package (AiP) (e.g., mass-produced).

[0145] Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and / or modifications can be made to the invention as illustrated in certain embodiments to provide other embodiments of the invention. Therefore, the described embodiments of the invention should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. Example optional features of some aspects of the invention are set forth in the Summary of the Invention section. Some embodiments of the invention may include one or more of these optional features (some of which are not specifically shown in the drawings). Some embodiments of the invention may lack one or more of these optional features (some of which are not specifically shown in the drawings). One or more features in one embodiment may be combined with one or more features in another embodiment to provide further embodiments of the invention. For example, the antenna of some embodiments may additionally or alternatively operate in at least a portion of one or more other frequencies or bands (not limited to millimeter-wave bands). For example, metasurface structure components (e.g., a first metasurface structure and a second metasurface structure) may differ from the configuration shown in the example embodiments. If beam steering functionality is not required, the antenna may not include a movement mechanism or the movement mechanism may be deactivated. In some embodiments, the antenna may be a transmit antenna arranged to operate in transmit mode. In some embodiments, the antenna may be a transmit-receive antenna arranged to operate in both transmit and receive modes (selectively). The number of conductive elements / sheets in the first and second metasurface structures of the metasurface structure assembly may differ from that shown.

Claims

1. An antenna, comprising: Metasurface structure assembly, the metasurface structure assembly comprising: A first metasurface structure having a first side and a second side; and The second metasurface structure has a first side and a second side. The first metasurface structure and the second metasurface structure are spaced apart such that at least a portion of the second side of the first metasurface structure faces at least a portion of the first side of the second metasurface structure, thereby defining a space therebetween; a feed source is coupled to the metasurface structure assembly and operable to provide the metasurface structure assembly with first type electromagnetic radiation having first radiation characteristics; the feed source is operable to transmit or radiate the first type electromagnetic radiation having the first radiation characteristics to the second side of the first metasurface structure; the feed source is coupled to the second metasurface structure; and The first metasurface structure is operable to reflect a first type of electromagnetic radiation incident on its second side to a first side of the second metasurface structure; the first metasurface structure is arranged to reflect the first type of electromagnetic radiation incident on its second side such that the reflection angle of the first type of electromagnetic radiation is different from the incident angle of the first type of electromagnetic radiation. The second metasurface structure is operable to convert first-type electromagnetic radiation incident on its first side into second-type electromagnetic radiation for reflecting the second-type electromagnetic radiation from its first side to a second side of the first metasurface structure; and The first metasurface structure is further operable to receive the second type of electromagnetic radiation incident on its second side and convert the second type of electromagnetic radiation into the first type of electromagnetic radiation having the second radiation characteristics for use as radiation from its first side. The first radiation characteristic is different from the second radiation characteristic.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein: The first type of electromagnetic radiation includes one of right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves and left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves; and The second type of electromagnetic radiation includes another type of right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves and left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves.

3. The antenna according to claim 2, wherein, The feed source is integrated with the metasurface structure component.

4. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The feed source is positioned opposite to the second side of the first metasurface structure.

5. The antenna of claim 1, wherein the first metasurface structure comprises a receiver-transmitter metasurface structure.

6. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein the second metasurface structure comprises a reflective metasurface structure.

7. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The first metasurface structure is arranged to reflect a first type of electromagnetic radiation incident on its second side such that the reflection angle of the first type of electromagnetic radiation is smaller than the incident angle of the first type of electromagnetic radiation.

8. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The first metasurface structure includes: A substrate assembly having a first surface located on a first side of the first metasurface structure and a second surface located on a second side of the first metasurface structure; A ground plane, which is connected to the base assembly; and Multiple conductive elements are connected to the substrate assembly; Each of the plurality of conductive elements comprises: A first conductive sheet is disposed on the first surface; A second conductive sheet is disposed on the second surface; and A connector is disposed in the base assembly and electrically connects the first conductive sheet and the second conductive sheet.

9. The antenna according to claim 8, wherein, The plurality of conductive elements are arranged such that the first metasurface structure can provide multiple resonances.

10. The antenna according to claim 8, wherein: At least some of the first conductive sheets among the plurality of conductive elements have different orientations; and / or At least some of the second conductive sheets among the plurality of conductive elements have different orientations.

11. The antenna according to claim 8, wherein, In the plan view, at least one of the first and second conductive sheets has a generally Maltese cross-shaped structure.

12. An antenna, comprising: Metasurface structure assembly, the metasurface structure assembly comprising: A first metasurface structure having a first side and a second side; the first metasurface structure further includes: A substrate assembly having a first surface located on a first side of the first metasurface structure and a second surface located on a second side of the first metasurface structure; A ground plane, which is connected to the base assembly; and Multiple conductive elements are connected to the substrate assembly; Each of the plurality of conductive elements comprises: A first conductive sheet is disposed on the first surface; A second conductive sheet is disposed on the second surface; and A connector disposed in the substrate assembly and electrically connecting the first conductive sheet and the second conductive sheet; a second metasurface structure having a first side and a second side. The first metasurface structure and the second metasurface structure are spaced apart such that at least a portion of the second side of the first metasurface structure faces at least a portion of the first side of the second metasurface structure, thereby defining a space therebetween; a feed source is coupled to the metasurface structure assembly and operable to provide the metasurface structure assembly with first type electromagnetic radiation having a first radiation characteristic; the feed source is coupled to the second metasurface structure; and The metasurface structure component is operable to: receive first type electromagnetic radiation having the first radiation characteristics from the feed source, convert it into second type electromagnetic radiation, and then convert the second type electromagnetic radiation into first type electromagnetic radiation having the second radiation characteristics for radiation from the metasurface structure component. Wherein, the first radiation characteristic is different from the second radiation characteristic; In the plan view, at least one of the first conductive sheets has a generally E-shaped structure; and / or In the plan view, at least one of the second conductive sheets has a generally E-shaped structure; The generally E-shaped structure includes: head, A first arm, which extends away from the head and elongates along a first direction. The second arm extends away from the head and elongates along the first direction. A third arm, extending away from the head and elongated along the first direction, and a second arm disposed between the first arm and the third arm, and A bridging portion, which is spaced apart from the head and connects the first arm and the second arm.

13. The antenna of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the feed source is arranged in or on the second metasurface structure.

14. The antenna according to claim 12, wherein, The antenna also includes a moving mechanism arranged to move at least one of the first metasurface structure and the second metasurface structure for beam steering.

15. The antenna according to claim 14, wherein, The moving mechanism includes a rotating mechanism arranged to rotate at least one of the first metasurface structure and the second metasurface structure.

16. The antenna according to claim 15, wherein, The rotating mechanism is operable to cause a relative rotation between the first metasurface structure and the second metasurface structure.

17. The antenna according to claim 12, wherein, The feed source includes a waveguide or an integrated circuit (IC) oscillator.

18. The antenna according to claim 12, wherein, The antenna is arranged to operate at millimeter wave frequencies or in at least a portion of the millimeter wave band.

19. The antenna according to claim 12, wherein: The first radiation characteristic includes a first radiation pattern and / or a first gain; The second radiation characteristic includes a second radiation pattern and / or a second gain.

20. An antenna, comprising: Metasurface structure assembly, the metasurface structure assembly comprising: A first metasurface structure having a first side and a second side; and The second metasurface structure has a first side and a second side. Wherein, the first metasurface structure and the second metasurface structure are spaced apart, such that at least a portion of the second side of the first metasurface structure faces at least a portion of the first side of the second metasurface structure, thereby defining a space therebetween; and A feed source coupled to the metasurface structure assembly and operable to provide the metasurface structure assembly with first type electromagnetic radiation having first radiation characteristics; The metasurface structure component is operable to: receive first type electromagnetic radiation having the first radiation characteristics from the feed source, convert it into second type electromagnetic radiation, and then convert the second type electromagnetic radiation into first type electromagnetic radiation having the second radiation characteristics for radiation from the metasurface structure component. Wherein, the first radiation characteristic is different from the second radiation characteristic; The first radiation characteristic includes a first radiation pattern and / or a first gain; The second radiation characteristic includes a second radiation pattern and / or a second gain; Wherein the directionality of the first radiation pattern is smaller than that of the second radiation pattern, and / or the second gain is greater than the first gain.

21. The antenna of claim 20, wherein the metasurface structure assembly comprises a metasurface structure, the metasurface structure comprising: A base assembly having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; A ground plane, which is connected to the base assembly; as well as Multiple conductive elements are connected to the substrate assembly; Each of the multiple conductive elements includes: A first conductive sheet is disposed on the first surface; A second conductive sheet is disposed on the second surface; and A connector is disposed in the base assembly and electrically connects the first conductive sheet and the second conductive sheet.

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