Radio wave refraction plate

Abstract

To remove size restriction.SOLUTION: A radio wave refractor includes a plurality of unit structures arranged in the direction of a first surface, and a reference conductor that serves as a reference potential for the plurality of unit structures. The plurality of unit structures are represented by an equivalent circuit including three or more resonant circuits.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wave refracting plate. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known techniques for controlling electromagnetic waves without using a dielectric lens. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for refracting radio waves by changing the parameters of each element in a structure in which resonator elements are arranged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-231182 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The resonator element described in Patent Document 1 can only achieve a phase change of 180° even when the parameters are changed. For example, if the refraction angle of one resonator element is set to 30°, a phase change of 180° would limit the size of the radio wave refraction plate to approximately 1 cm at most. There is a demand for a radio wave refraction plate with no size limit.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a radio wave refraction plate with no size limitations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The radio wave refraction plate according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of unit structures arranged in a first surface direction and a reference conductor that serves as a reference potential for the plurality of unit structures, and the plurality of unit structures are represented by an equivalent circuit having three or more resonant circuits.

[0007] The radio wave refraction plate according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of unit structures arranged in a first surface direction and a reference conductor that serves as a reference potential for the plurality of unit structures, and the plurality of unit structures include three or more resonators extending in the first surface direction and connecting portions that magnetically or capacitively connect the resonators and include the reference conductor.

[0008] The radio wave refraction plate according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of unit structures arranged in a first surface direction, and a reference conductor that serves as a reference potential for the plurality of unit structures, and the plurality of unit structures include a first resonator extending in the first surface direction, a second resonator spaced apart from the first resonator in the first direction and extending in the first surface direction, and a connection portion that magnetically or capacitively connects the first resonator and the second resonator in the first direction.

[0009] The radio wave refraction plate according to the present disclosure is represented by an equivalent circuit including a plurality of unit structures arranged in a first surface direction and a reference conductor that serves as a reference potential and is connected across the plurality of structures, and has a first resonator that receives an input of an electromagnetic wave from free space and couples with it, and a second resonator that receives an output of an electromagnetic wave to free space and couples with it, the first resonator and the second resonator being electromagnetically coupled to one or more third resonator groups arranged in the stacking direction, and further, the main coupling is a subordinate coupling between those resonators, and coupling and frequency adjustment are performed by the reference conductor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a radio wave refraction plate with no size limitations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a radio wave refraction plate according to each embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the radio wave refraction plate according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the amount of phase change of a unit structure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a radio wave refraction plate according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a radio wave refraction plate according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a unit structure according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a graph showing frequency characteristics of the unit structure according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the amount of phase change of the unit structure according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a graph showing frequency characteristics of the unit structure according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a graph showing the amount of phase change of the unit structure according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a unit structure according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a graph showing frequency characteristics of the unit structure according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a graph showing frequency characteristics of the unit structure according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a graph showing frequency characteristics of the unit structure according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a graph showing the amount of phase change of a unit structure according to a modified example of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a graph showing frequency characteristics of the unit structure according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the refraction direction of radio waves at the radio wave refraction plate. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 22A] FIG. 22A is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a first resonator according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 22B] FIG. 22B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the first reference conductor according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 22C] FIG. 22C is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a third resonator according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 22D] FIG. 22D is a diagram showing a configuration example of a second reference conductor according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 22E] FIG. 22E is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a fourth resonator according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 22F] FIG. 22F is a diagram showing a configuration example of a third reference conductor according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 22G] FIG. 22G is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a second resonator according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the refraction direction of radio waves of the radio wave refraction plate according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a reference conductor according to a first modified example of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to a first modified example of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a reference conductor according to a second modification of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to a second modified example of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a reference conductor according to a third modified example of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to a third modified example of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a reference conductor according to a fourth modified example of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 31]FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to a fourth modified example of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a reference conductor according to a fifth modified example of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to a fifth modified example of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a reference conductor according to a sixth modified example of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to a sixth modified example of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a resonator according to a sixth modified example of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a resonator according to a seventh modification of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to the tenth embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to the tenth embodiment. [Figure 40] FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 41] FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a unit structure according to the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 42] FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 43] FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of a configuration example of a unit structure according to the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 44] FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to a first modified example of the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 45] FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of a configuration example of a unit structure according to a first modified example of the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of a configuration example of a unit structure according to the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 48] FIG. 48 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a coupling layer according to the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 49] FIG. 49 is a graph showing frequency characteristics of the unit structure according to the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 50] FIG. 50 is a graph showing the amount of phase change of the unit structure according to the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 51] FIG. 51 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 52] FIG. 52 is a graph showing frequency characteristics of a unit structure according to a modified example of the fourteenth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0013] In the following explanation, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is set, and the positional relationship of each part will be explained with reference to this XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. The direction parallel to the X axis in a horizontal plane is defined as the X-axis direction, the direction parallel to the Y axis in the horizontal plane perpendicular to the X axis is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the direction parallel to the Z axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane is defined as the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the plane containing the X and Y axes will be referred to as the XY plane as appropriate, the plane containing the X and Z axes will be referred to as the XZ plane as appropriate, and the plane containing the Y and Z axes will be referred to as the YZ plane as appropriate. The XY plane is parallel to the horizontal plane. The XY plane, XZ plane, and YZ plane are perpendicular to each other.

[0014] [overview] An overview of the radio wave refraction plate according to each embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overview of the radio wave refraction plate according to each embodiment.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the radio wave refraction plate 1 includes a plurality of unit structures 10 and a substrate 12.

[0016] The multiple unit structures 10 are arranged in the XY plane direction, which may also be referred to as the first plane direction. That is, the multiple unit structures 10 are arranged two-dimensionally. In this embodiment, the multiple unit structures 10 each have a resonant structure. The structure of the unit structures 10 will be described later. The substrate 12 may be, for example, a dielectric substrate made of a dielectric material. That is, in this embodiment, the radio wave refraction plate 1 is configured by two-dimensionally arranging the multiple unit structures 10, each having a resonant structure, on the substrate 12 made of a dielectric material.

[0017] [First embodiment] [Radio wave refraction plate] An example of the configuration of the radio wave refraction plate according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the radio wave refraction plate according to the first embodiment.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the radio wave refraction plate 1A according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of unit structures 10A, a plurality of unit structures 10B, a plurality of unit structures 10C, and a plurality of unit structures 10D. The unit structures 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are arranged two-dimensionally on the XY plane. The unit structures 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are arranged in a lattice pattern on the XY plane. In the radio wave refraction plate 1A, two adjacent unit structures in the X direction or Y direction, which are in-plane directions on the XY plane, are configured so that a phase difference occurs in the phase of the electromagnetic wave incident from the first resonator 14 (see FIG. 6) and exiting from the second resonator 16 (see FIG. 6).

[0019] In the example shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of unit structures 10A are arranged in a first row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1A. A plurality of unit structures 10B are arranged in a second row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1A. A plurality of unit structures 10C are arranged in a third row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1A. A plurality of unit structures 10D are arranged in a fourth row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1A. A plurality of unit structures 10A are arranged in a fifth row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1A. A plurality of unit structures 10B are arranged in a sixth row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1A. A plurality of unit structures 10C are arranged in a seventh row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1A. A plurality of unit structures 10D are arranged in an eighth row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1A.

[0020] Unit structure 10A and unit structure 10B are adjacent to each other in the X direction. Unit structure 10B and unit structure 10C are adjacent to each other in the X direction. Unit structure 10C and unit structure 10D are adjacent to each other in the X direction. Unit structure 10D and unit structure 10A are adjacent to each other in the X direction.

[0021] The unit structure 10A, the unit structure 10B, the unit structure 10C, and the unit structure 10D each have a different length of the connecting line 20 (see FIG. 6). For example, the connecting line 20 is configured to be longer in the order of the unit structure 10A, the unit structure 10B, the unit structure 10C, and the unit structure 10D. That is, the unit structure 10A, the unit structure 10B, the unit structure 10C, and the unit structure 10D are each configured to change the phase of the electromagnetic wave incident on the first resonator 14 and emit it from the second resonator 16.

[0022] The amount of phase change of the unit structure according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the amount of phase change of the unit structure.

[0023] In the example shown in FIG. 2, four unit structures, namely, unit structure 10A, unit structure 10B, unit structure 10C, and unit structure 10D, are used to change the phase of an electromagnetic wave incident on radio wave refraction plate 1A by 360°. FIG. 3 shows the amount of phase change in the X-axis direction. Specifically, FIG. 3 shows an example in which a plane wave arriving at radio wave refraction plate 1A is refracted and output as a plane wave. Point P1 indicates the phase of the incident electromagnetic wave, with a phase change of 0°. Point P2 indicates the phase change of the first unit structure 10A in the X-axis direction, with a phase change of 90°. Point P3 indicates the phase change of the first unit structure 10B in the X-axis direction, with a phase change of 180°. Point P4 indicates the phase change of the first unit structure 10C in the X-axis direction, with a phase change of 270°. Point P5 indicates the phase change amount of the first unit structure 10D in the X-axis direction, which is 360°. Points P6, P7, P8, and P9 indicate the phase change amounts of the second unit structure 10A, unit structure 10B, unit structure 10C, and unit structure 10D, respectively. The phase change amounts of the second unit structure 10A, unit structure 10B, unit structure 10C, and unit structure 10D are 450°, 540°, 630°, and 720°, respectively. That is, in this embodiment, the four unit structures, unit structure 10A, unit structure 10B, unit structure 10C, and unit structure 10D, are configured to change the phase of the electromagnetic wave arriving at the radio wave refraction plate 1A by 360°.

[0024] The unit structure 10 may be called a unit cell. For example, each of the unit structures 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D may be called a unit cell. A repeating unit in which a plurality of unit cells with different structures are arranged may be called a supercell. For example, an arrangement of the unit structures 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D may be called a supercell. A supercell may have a function such as generating a phase change from 0° to 360°. The radio wave refraction plate 1 may have a large area by cellularizing the supercell as a single unit. Note that the unit of phase change that can be a supercell is not limited to 0° to 360°, but may be from 0° to 360° x n (where n is a natural number).

[0025] That is, in the example shown in Fig. 2, the phase difference between the plurality of unit structures aligned in the X-axis direction and a reference unit structure (e.g., unit structure 10A) increases as the unit structures move in the X-axis direction or the -X-axis direction. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the phase difference between the plurality of unit structures aligned in the X-axis direction is advanced or delayed by a first phase difference (e.g., 90°) as the unit structures move in the X-axis direction or the -X-axis direction.

[0026] In the radio wave refraction plate 1A, the distance between adjacent unit structures is d, the difference in the amount of phase change between adjacent unit structures is ΔΦ, the angle at which the electromagnetic wave arriving at the radio wave refraction plate 1A is θ, and the wave number of the electromagnetic wave arriving at the radio wave refraction plate 1A is k. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the gradient of the amount of phase change is described as the X-axis direction, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the present disclosure, the direction of refraction can be designed arbitrarily by setting the gradient of the amount of phase change in any direction. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the amount of phase change is described as changing linearly, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the present disclosure, for example, by making the gradient of the amount of phase change curved, a plane wave arriving at the radio wave refraction plate 1A can be converged or diffused to any location.

[0027] 3, the phase difference between the electromagnetic waves emitted by two adjacent unit structures in the X-axis direction is described as 90°, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The phase difference between the electromagnetic waves emitted by two adjacent unit structures may be, for example, 30°, 45°, 60°, etc. In other words, the phase difference between the electromagnetic waves emitted by two adjacent unit structures may be any value.

[0028] 3, the phase difference between the electromagnetic waves emitted by unit structure 10A and unit structure 10B, the phase difference between the electromagnetic waves emitted by unit structure 10B and unit structure 10C, the phase difference between the electromagnetic waves emitted by unit structure 10C and unit structure 10D, and the phase difference between the electromagnetic waves emitted by unit structure 10D and unit structure 10A are all 90°, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The phase difference between the electromagnetic waves emitted by unit structure 10A and unit structure 10B, the phase difference between the electromagnetic waves emitted by unit structure 10B and unit structure 10C, the phase difference between the electromagnetic waves emitted by unit structure 10C and unit structure 10D, and the phase difference between the electromagnetic waves emitted by unit structure 10D and unit structure 10A may be different from each other. The phase difference between the electromagnetic waves emitted by unit structure 10A and unit structure 10B, the phase difference between the electromagnetic waves emitted by unit structure 10B and unit structure 10C, the phase difference between the electromagnetic waves emitted by unit structure 10C and unit structure 10D, and the phase difference between the electromagnetic waves emitted by unit structure 10D and unit structure 10A may be set according to the design, intended use, etc.

[0029] As described above, in the first embodiment, a plurality of unit structures with different lengths of connection lines 20 are two-dimensionally arranged so as to change the phase of the incoming electromagnetic wave by 360°. As a result, in the first embodiment, the area of ​​the radio wave refraction plate 1A can be increased by repeating the set of arrangements so as to change the phase of the incoming electromagnetic wave by 360°.

[0030] In the first embodiment, the radio wave refraction plate 1A is used to refract radio waves and increase the radio wave strength in areas where communication was previously impossible due to weak radio wave strength, thereby expanding the communication area. In the first embodiment, the communication area can be further expanded by increasing the area of ​​the radio wave refraction plate 1A. Furthermore, since the gain can be increased as the area of ​​the radio wave refraction plate 1A is increased, the gain can be further improved by refracting the radio waves so that they converge at a predetermined location. As a result, even if there is, for example, a window glass or wall that significantly attenuates radio waves between the radio wave refraction plate 1A and the location where the radio waves are refracted and converged, stable communication is possible even when the radio waves pass through the window glass or wall.

[0031] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0032] In the first embodiment, the amount of phase change is changed by two-dimensionally arranging unit structures 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D in a lattice pattern, each of which has a different length of connecting line connecting the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16. In contrast, the second embodiment is configured such that the amount of phase change is changed by changing the areas of the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16 without changing the length of the connecting line connecting the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16.

[0033] [Radio wave refraction plate] An example of the configuration of the radio wave refraction plate according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the radio wave refraction plate according to the second embodiment.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 4, the radio wave refraction plate 1B according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of unit structures 10E, a plurality of unit structures 10F, a plurality of unit structures 10G, and a plurality of unit structures 10H. The unit structures 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H are arranged two-dimensionally on the XY plane. The unit structures 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H are arranged in a lattice pattern on the XY plane. The unit structures 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H are each configured to change the phase of an electromagnetic wave incident on the first resonator 14 and emit the wave from the second resonator 16. In the radio wave refraction plate 1B, two adjacent unit structures in the X direction or Y direction, which is an in-plane direction of the XY plane, are configured so that a phase difference occurs in the phase of the electromagnetic wave that enters from the first resonator 14 and exits from the second resonator 16.

[0035] In the example shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of unit structures 10E are arranged in the first row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1B. A plurality of unit structures 10F are arranged in the second row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1B. A plurality of unit structures 10G are arranged in the third row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1B. A plurality of unit structures 10H are arranged in the fourth row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1B. A plurality of unit structures 10E are arranged in the fifth row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1B. A plurality of unit structures 10F are arranged in the sixth row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1B. A plurality of unit structures 10G are arranged in the seventh row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1B. A plurality of unit structures 10H are arranged in the eighth row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1B.

[0036] The unit structure 10E, the unit structure 10F, the unit structure 10G, and the unit structure 10H each have a different area of ​​the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16. For example, the unit structure 10E, the unit structure 10F, the unit structure 10G, and the unit structure 10H are configured so that the areas of the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16 increase in this order. That is, the unit structure 10E, the unit structure 10F, the unit structure 10G, and the unit structure 10H each have a different resonant frequency. That is, in the second embodiment, the resonant frequency is changed depending on the arrangement position of each unit structure in the radio wave refraction plate 1B, thereby changing the amount of phase change.

[0037] 4, the second embodiment is configured such that the phase of an electromagnetic wave incident on the radio wave refraction plate 1B is changed by 360° using four unit structures: unit structure 10E, unit structure 10F, unit structure 10G, and unit structure 10H. The phase difference between two adjacent elements in the radio wave refraction plate 1B is the same as in the case shown in FIG. 3, and therefore will not be described here.

[0038] As described above, in the second embodiment, a plurality of unit structures having different areas of the first resonators 14 and the second resonators 16 are two-dimensionally arranged so as to change the phase of the incoming electromagnetic wave by 360°. As a result, in the second embodiment, the area of ​​the radio wave refraction plate 1B can be increased by repeating the set of arrangements so as to change the phase of the incoming electromagnetic wave by 360°.

[0039] In the first embodiment, a radio wave refraction plate is configured by arranging a plurality of unit structures with different path lengths of the connection line 20, and in the second embodiment, a radio wave refraction plate is configured by arranging a plurality of unit structures with different areas of the first resonators 14 and the second resonators 16, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the present disclosure, the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be combined.

[0040] That is, in the present disclosure, when arranging the unit structures two-dimensionally, the path length of the connection line 20 may be changed and the areas of the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16 may be changed depending on the positions at which the unit structures are arranged. This allows the present disclosure to design a radio wave refraction plate with a higher degree of freedom.

[0041] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the amount of phase change is controlled by changing the path length of the connecting line 20, and in the second embodiment, the amount of phase change is controlled by changing the areas of the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the present disclosure, the amount of phase change may be controlled by changing the distance between the first resonator 14 and the reference conductor 18 and the distance between the second resonator 16 and the reference conductor 18. In this case, the distance between the first resonator 14 and the reference conductor 18 and the distance between the second resonator 16 and the reference conductor 18 may be the same or different.

[0042] [Third embodiment] Next, the configuration of the radio wave refraction plate and the configuration of the unit structure according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0043] [Radio wave refraction plate] An example of the configuration of the radio wave refraction plate according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the radio wave refraction plate according to the third embodiment.

[0044] 5, a radio wave refraction plate 1C according to another embodiment includes a plurality of unit structures 10E, a plurality of unit structures 10F, a plurality of unit structures 10G, and a plurality of unit structures 10H. The unit structures 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H differ from the radio wave refraction plate 1B shown in FIG. 4 in that the unit structures 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H are arranged radially in the XY plane. In the radio wave refraction plate 1C, two adjacent unit structures in the X direction or Y direction, which are in-plane directions of the XY plane, are configured so that a phase difference occurs in the phase of the electromagnetic wave that enters from the first resonator 14 and exits from the second resonator 16.

[0045] In the example shown in Figure 5, the first row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1C is arranged in the following order: unit structure 10G, unit structure 10H, unit structure 10G, unit structure 10F, unit structure 10F, unit structure 10G, unit structure 10H, and unit structure 10G.

[0046] In the example shown in Figure 5, the second row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1C is arranged in the following order: unit structure 10H, unit structure 10F, unit structure 10H, unit structure 10G, unit structure 10G, unit structure 10H, unit structure 10F, and unit structure 10H.

[0047] In the example shown in Figure 5, the third row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1C is arranged in the following order: unit structure 10G, unit structure 10H, unit structure 10G, unit structure 10F, unit structure 10F, unit structure 10G, unit structure 10H, and unit structure 10G.

[0048] In the example shown in Figure 5, the fourth row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1C is arranged in order as follows: unit structure 10F, unit structure 10G, unit structure 10F, unit structure 10E, unit structure 10E, unit structure 10F, unit structure 10G, and unit structure 10F.

[0049] In the example shown in Figure 5, the fifth row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1C is arranged in order as follows: unit structure 10F, unit structure 10G, unit structure 10F, unit structure 10E, unit structure 10E, unit structure 10F, unit structure 10G, and unit structure 10F.

[0050] In the example shown in Figure 5, the sixth row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1C is arranged in the following order: unit structure 10G, unit structure 10H, unit structure 10G, unit structure 10F, unit structure 10F, unit structure 10G, unit structure 10H, and unit structure 10G.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 5, the seventh row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1C is arranged in the following order: unit structure 10H, unit structure 10F, unit structure 10H, unit structure 10G, unit structure 10G, unit structure 10H, unit structure 10F, and unit structure 10H.

[0052] In the example shown in Figure 5, the eighth row along the Y direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1C is arranged in order as follows: unit structure 10G, unit structure 10H, unit structure 10G, unit structure 10F, unit structure 10F, unit structure 10G, unit structure 10H, and unit structure 10G.

[0053] That is, in the central region of the radio wave refraction plate 1C, four unit structures 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H are arranged, each of which has the smallest area for the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16. In the radio wave refraction plate 1C, the unit structures 10F, 10G, and 10H are arranged radially around the four unit structures 10E. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the four unit structures 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H are configured to change the phase of an electromagnetic wave incident on the radio wave refraction plate 1C by 360°. The radio wave refraction plate 1C is configured such that a phase difference (e.g., 90°) occurs between adjacent unit structures in the first radiation direction, which is the in-plane direction of the XY plane, when an electromagnetic wave incident on the first resonator 14 is emitted from the second resonator 16. The radio wave refraction plate 1C is configured such that, in a plurality of unit structures aligned in a first radial direction on the XY plane, the phase difference becomes larger relative to a reference unit structure (e.g., unit structure 10E) as the phase difference progresses in a direction from the center to the outside or from the outside to the center. The radio wave refraction plate 1C is configured such that, in a plurality of unit structures aligned in the first radial direction on the XY plane, the phase difference advances or slows by a second phase difference (e.g., 90°) as the phase difference progresses in a direction from the center to the outside or from the outside to the center.

[0054] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a configuration example of a unit structure included in the radio wave refraction plate according to each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0055] [Unit Structure Configuration] The configuration of the unit structure according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the unit structure according to the fourth embodiment.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, the unit structure 10 includes a first resonator 14, a second resonator 16, a reference conductor 18, and a connection line 20.

[0057] The first resonators 14 may be arranged on the substrate 12 so as to extend across the XY plane. The first resonators 14 may be formed of a conductor. The first resonators 14 may be, for example, rectangular patch conductors. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first resonators 14 are shown as rectangular patch conductors, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The shape of the first resonators 14 may be, for example, linear, circular, loop-shaped, or polygonal except for rectangular. That is, the shape of the first resonators 14 may be arbitrarily changed depending on the design. The first resonators 14 are configured to resonate with electromagnetic waves received from the +Z-axis direction.

[0058] The first resonator 14 is configured to radiate electromagnetic waves when resonating. The first resonator 14 is configured to radiate electromagnetic waves in the +Z-axis direction when resonating.

[0059] The second resonators 16 may be arranged on the substrate 12 at positions spaced apart from the first resonators 14 in the Z-axis direction, so as to extend across the XY plane. The second resonators 16 may be, for example, rectangular patch conductors. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the second resonators 16 are shown as rectangular patch conductors, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The shape of the second resonators 16 may be, for example, linear, circular, loop-shaped, or polygonal except for rectangular. That is, the shape of the second resonators 16 may be arbitrarily changed depending on the design. The shape of the second resonators 16 may be the same as or different from the shape of the first resonators 14. The area of ​​the second resonators 16 may be the same as or different from the area of ​​the first resonators 14.

[0060] The second resonator 16 is configured to radiate electromagnetic waves when resonating. The second resonator 16 is configured to radiate electromagnetic waves, for example, in the -Z axis direction. The second resonator 16 is configured to radiate electromagnetic waves in the -Z axis direction when resonating. The second resonator 16 is configured to resonate by receiving electromagnetic waves from the -Z axis direction.

[0061] The second resonator 16 may be configured to resonate in a different phase from the first resonator 14. The second resonator 16 may be configured to resonate in a direction in the XY plane that is different from the resonance direction of the first resonator 14. For example, when the first resonator 14 is configured to resonate in the X-axis direction, the second resonator 16 may be configured to resonate in the Y-axis direction. The resonance direction of the second resonator 16 may be configured to change over time in the XY plane in response to a change over time in the resonance direction of the first resonator 14. The second resonator 16 may be configured to radiate electromagnetic waves in which the first frequency band is attenuated, based on the electromagnetic waves received by the first resonator 14.

[0062] The reference conductor 18 may be arranged between the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16 on the substrate 12. For example, the reference conductor 18 may be located at the center of the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16 on the substrate 12, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the reference conductor 18 may be located at a position where the distance from the first resonator 14 is different from the distance from the second resonator 16. The reference conductor 18 has a through hole 18a through which the connecting line 20 passes. The reference conductor 18 is configured to surround at least a portion of the connecting line 20.

[0063] The connection line 20 may be formed of a conductor. The connection line 20 is located between the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16 in the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction may also be referred to as the first direction, for example. The connection line 20 may be connected to each of the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16. The connection line 20 passes through the through hole 18a but does not contact the reference conductor 18. The connection line 20 may be configured to be magnetically or capacitively connected to each of the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16, for example. The connection line 20 may be configured to be electrically connected to each of the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16, for example. The connection line 20 is connected to a side of the first resonator 14 parallel to the X-axis direction and to a side of the second resonator 16 parallel to the X-axis direction. The connection line 20 may be a path parallel to the Z-axis direction. The connection line 20 may be a third resonator. That is, the unit structure 10 can be represented by an equivalent circuit including three LC resonant circuits. The unit structure 10 may also have a configuration represented by an equivalent circuit including, for example, three or more LC resonant circuits. In other words, the unit structure 10 may include three or more resonators. In this case, the connection lines 20 are located between the resonators. In this case, the connection lines 20 are configured to magnetically or capacitively connect the resonators.

[0064] The unit structure 10 is configured to combine the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16 by magnetically or capacitively connecting them or electrically connecting them. By combining the three resonators, the unit structure 10 is configured so that high frequency waves excited by electromagnetic waves incident on the first resonator 14 are transmitted through the composite resonator. Depending on the transmission characteristics of the composite resonator, the unit structure 10 can perform one or more functions of a phase shifter, a band-pass filter, a high-pass filter, and a low-pass filter.

[0065] The unit structure 10 is configured to change the phase of an electromagnetic wave incident on the first resonator 14 and output it from the second resonator 16. The amount of phase change varies depending on the length of the connecting line 20. The amount of phase change also varies depending on the area of ​​the first resonator 14 or the second resonator 16.

[0066] The frequency characteristics of the unit structure according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the unit structure according to the first embodiment.

[0067] In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis represents frequency [GHz (Giga Hertz)] and the vertical axis represents gain [dB (deci Bel)]. FIG. 7 shows graphs G1 and G2. Graph G1 represents the transmission coefficient. Graph G2 represents the reflection coefficient. Graph G1 shows that the insertion loss in the region from near 21.00 GHz to near 28.00 GHz is -3 dB or more, indicating good transmission characteristics. Graph G2 shows that the reflection coefficient in the region from near 21.00 GHz to near 28.00 GHz is low. In other words, the unit structure 10 shown in FIG. 6 has good transmission characteristics over a wide range, from near 21.00 GHz to near 28.00 GHz.

[0068] The amount of phase change of the unit structure according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a graph showing the amount of phase change of the unit structure according to the fourth embodiment.

[0069] In FIG. 8 , the horizontal axis represents frequency [GHz], and the vertical axis represents phase change [deg]. Graph G3 is shown in FIG. 8 . Graph G3 shows the phase shift of an electromagnetic wave incident on the first resonator 14 when the electromagnetic wave is output from the second resonator 16. For example, the unit structure 10 is configured such that when an electromagnetic wave with a frequency of approximately 20.80 GHz is input to the first resonator 14, the electromagnetic wave is output from the second resonator 16 with a phase shift of approximately −38°. For example, the unit structure 10 is configured such that when an electromagnetic wave with a frequency of approximately 28.00 GHz is input to the first resonator 14, the electromagnetic wave is output from the second resonator 16 with a phase shift of approximately 135°. In other words, the unit structure 10 can be used as a spatial filter that changes the phase of an electromagnetic wave. By arranging such unit structures 10 two-dimensionally, a radio wave refraction plate according to each embodiment can be constructed.

[0070] [Fifth embodiment] [Unit Structure Configuration] A configuration example of the unit structure according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the unit structure according to the fifth embodiment.

[0071] 9, the unit structure 10a differs from the unit structure 10 shown in FIG. 6 in that the connection line 20 is not a straight path parallel to the Z-axis direction. Specifically, the connection line 20 of the unit structure 10a differs from the unit structure 10 shown in FIG. 6 in that it includes a first path portion 20a, a second path portion 20b, a third path portion 20c, a fourth path portion 20d, and a fifth path portion 20e.

[0072] The first path portion 20a may be a path having one end connected to the first resonator 14 and the other end located between the first resonator 14 and the reference conductor 18, and parallel to the Z-axis direction. The second path portion 20b may be a path having one end connected to the other end of the first path portion 20a and the other end located between the first resonator 14 and the reference conductor 18, and parallel to the XY plane. The third path portion 20c may be a path having one end connected to the other end of the second path portion 20b and the other end located between the second resonator 16 and the reference conductor 18, and parallel to the Z-axis direction. The third path portion 20c passes through a through hole 18a in the reference conductor 18. The third path portion 20c is not in contact with the reference conductor 18. The fourth path portion 20d may be a path having one end connected to the other end of the third path portion 20c and the other end located between the second resonator 16 and the reference conductor 18, and parallel to the XY plane. The fifth path portion 20e may be a path parallel to the Z-axis direction, with one end connected to the fourth path portion 20d and the other end connected to the fifth path portion 20e.

[0073] In FIG. 9, the connection line 20 is described as including five paths, the first path portion 20a to the fifth path portion 20e, but this is merely an example and does not limit the present disclosure. The number of paths included in the connection line 20 may be more or less than five. The multiple path portions may also be called sub-resonators. The connection line 20 may have, for example, a curved bent portion.

[0074] The unit structure 10a is configured to change the phase of an electromagnetic wave incident on the first resonator 14 and output it from the second resonator 16. The amount of phase change varies depending on the length of the connecting line 20. The amount of phase change also varies depending on the area of ​​the first resonator 14 or the second resonator 16.

[0075] The frequency characteristics of the unit structure according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the unit structure according to the fifth embodiment.

[0076] In FIG. 10, the horizontal axis represents frequency [GHz] and the vertical axis represents gain [dB]. FIG. 10 shows graphs G4 and G5. Graph G4 represents the transmission coefficient. Graph G5 represents the reflection coefficient. Graph G4 shows that the insertion loss in the region from near 22.00 GHz to near 31.40 GHz is -3 dB or more, indicating good transmission characteristics. Graph G5 shows that the reflection coefficient in the region from near 22.00 GHz to near 31.40 GHz is low. In other words, the unit structure 10a shown in FIG. 9 has good transmission characteristics over a wide range, from near 22.00 GHz to near 31.40 GHz.

[0077] The amount of phase change of the unit structure according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a graph showing the amount of phase change of the unit structure according to the fifth embodiment.

[0078] In FIG. 11, the horizontal axis represents frequency [GHz] and the vertical axis represents phase change [deg]. Graph G6 is shown in FIG. 11. Graph G6 shows the phase shift of an electromagnetic wave incident on the first resonator 14 when the electromagnetic wave is output from the second resonator 16. For example, the unit structure 10A is configured such that when an electromagnetic wave with a frequency near 22.00 GHz enters the first resonator 14, the electromagnetic wave is output from the second resonator 16 with a phase shift of approximately −65°. For example, the unit structure 10A is configured such that when an electromagnetic wave with a frequency near 31.40 GHz enters the first resonator 14, the electromagnetic wave is output from the second resonator 16 with a phase shift of approximately −5°. In other words, the unit structure 10a can be used as a spatial filter that changes the phase of an electromagnetic wave. By arranging such unit structures 10a two-dimensionally, a radio wave refraction plate according to each embodiment can be constructed.

[0079] [Sixth embodiment] [Unit Structure Configuration] A configuration example of the unit structure according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the unit structure according to the sixth embodiment.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 12, the unit structure 10b differs from the unit structure 10 shown in FIG. 2 in that it includes a connection line 20A and a connection line 20B.

[0081] In the unit structure 10b, the reference conductor 18 has a through hole 18a and a through hole 18b. The through hole 18a is a through hole through which the connection line 20A passes. The through hole 18b is a through hole through which the connection line 20B passes.

[0082] The connection line 20A may be formed of a conductor. The connection line 20A is located between the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16 in the Z-axis direction. The connection line 20A is connected to each of the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16. Specifically, one end of the connection line 20A is connected to a side of the first resonator 14 that is parallel to the Y-axis direction, and the other end of the connection line 20A is connected to a side of the second resonator 16 that is parallel to the Y-axis direction. The connection line 20A passes through the through hole 18a but does not contact the reference conductor 18.

[0083] The connection line 20B may be formed of a conductor. The connection line 20B is located between the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16 in the Z-axis direction. The connection line 20B is connected to each of the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16. Specifically, one end of the connection line 20B is connected to a side of the first resonator 14 that is parallel to the X-axis direction, and the other end of the connection line 20B is connected to a side of the second resonator 16 that is parallel to the X-axis direction. The connection line 20B passes through the through hole 18b but does not contact the reference conductor 18.

[0084] The frequency characteristics of the unit structure according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 are graphs showing the frequency characteristics of the unit structure according to the sixth embodiment.

[0085] In FIG. 13, the horizontal axis represents frequency [GHz] and the vertical axis represents gain [dB]. FIG. 13 shows graphs G7 and G8. Graph G7 shows the transmission coefficient when an electromagnetic wave incident from the X-axis direction is emitted in the X-axis direction. Graph G8 shows the reflection coefficient. Graph G16 shows that the insertion loss in the region from near 21.00 GHz to near 28.00 GHz is approximately -3 dB or more, indicating good transmission characteristics. Graph G8 shows that the reflection coefficient in the region from near 21.00 GHz to near 28.00 GHz is low. In other words, the unit structure 10b shown in FIG. 12 has good transmission characteristics over a wide range, from near 21.00 GHz to near 28.00 GHz.

[0086] In Figure 14, the horizontal axis represents frequency [GHz] and the vertical axis represents gain [dB]. Graph G9 is shown in Figure 14. Graph G9 shows the transmission coefficient when an electromagnetic wave incident from the Y-axis direction is emitted in the Y-axis direction. As shown in graph G9, the transmission coefficient when an electromagnetic wave incident from the Y-axis direction is emitted in the Y-axis direction has an insertion loss of about -3 dB or more in the region from near 21.00 GHz to near 28.00 GHz, indicating good transmission characteristics.

[0087] The unit structure 10b has a good transmission coefficient of electromagnetic waves from the X-axis direction to the X-axis direction and from the Y-axis direction to the Y-axis direction. That is, the unit structure 10b has both the function of a spatial filter and the function of transmitting light almost independently of polarization. By arranging such unit structures 10b two-dimensionally, the radio wave refraction plate according to each embodiment can be constructed.

[0088] [Seventh embodiment] The configuration of the unit structure according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of the unit structure according to the seventh embodiment.

[0089] 15, the unit structure 10c includes a substrate 12, a first resonator 14, a second resonator 16, a reference conductor 18, a connecting line 20, and a third resonator 22. The unit structure 10F differs from the unit structure 10 shown in FIG. 2 in that it includes the third resonator 22. In the unit structure 10F, the reference conductor 18 has an opening 18c for arranging the third resonator 22.

[0090] The third resonator 22 may be arranged between the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16 in the Z-axis direction. The third resonator 22 may be located within the opening 18c of the reference conductor 18. The third resonator 22 may be located within the opening 18c so as not to contact the reference conductor 18. The third resonator 22 may be configured integrally with the connecting line 20. The third resonator 22 may be configured to be magnetically or capacitively connected to each of the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16, for example. That is, the third resonator 22 is surrounded by the reference conductor 18. The third resonator 22 is capacitively connected to the reference conductor 18.

[0091] In this embodiment, when the wavelength of the fundamental wave of the incoming electromagnetic wave is λ, the length of at least one side of the first resonator 14 is set to λ / 2, the length of at least one side of the second resonator 16 is set to λ / 2, and the length of at least one side of the third resonator 22 is set to λ / 4.

[0092] The frequency characteristics of the unit structure according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the unit structure according to the seventh embodiment.

[0093] In FIG. 16, the horizontal axis represents frequency [GHz] and the vertical axis represents gain [dB]. FIG. 16 shows graphs G10 and G11. Graph G10 shows the transmission coefficient from the X-axis direction to the X-axis direction. Graph G11 shows the reflection coefficient of electromagnetic waves incident in the X-axis direction. Graph G10 shows that the insertion loss in the region from near 18.00 GHz to near 28.00 GHz is -2 dB or more, indicating good transmission characteristics. Graph G11 shows that the reflection coefficient in the region from near 18.00 GHz to near 28.00 GHz is low. As shown in graph G19, the unit structure 10c is configured to have steeper attenuation characteristics in a higher frequency band than the unit structure 10 shown in FIG. 6. That is, the unit structure 10c shown in FIG. 15 has good transmission characteristics over a wide range, from near 18.00 GHz to near 28.00 GHz.

[0094] The amount of phase change of the unit structure according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a graph showing the amount of phase change of the unit structure according to the seventh embodiment.

[0095] In FIG. 17, the horizontal axis represents frequency [GHz] and the vertical axis represents gain [dB]. Graph G12 is shown in FIG. 17. Graph G12 shows the phase shift of an electromagnetic wave incident on the first resonator 14 when the electromagnetic wave is output from the second resonator 16. For example, when an electromagnetic wave having a frequency of approximately 18.00 GHz is input to the first resonator 14, the unit structure 10c shifts the phase of the electromagnetic wave by approximately −37° before outputting it from the second resonator 16. For example, when an electromagnetic wave having a frequency of approximately 27.50 GHz is input to the first resonator 14, the unit structure 10c shifts the phase of the electromagnetic wave by approximately −40° before outputting it from the second resonator 16. In other words, even if multiple resonators are provided, as in the case of the unit structure 10c, it is possible to configure the unit structure 10c to shift the phase of the incoming electromagnetic wave. By arranging such unit structures 10c two-dimensionally, the radio wave refraction plate according to each embodiment can be configured.

[0096] [Eighth embodiment] [Unit Structure Configuration] A configuration example of the unit structure according to the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the unit structure according to the eighth embodiment.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 18, the unit structure 10d includes a first resonator 14A, a second resonator 16A, a reference conductor 18, a connection line 20A, a connection line 20B, a connection line 20C, a third resonator 22, a first auxiliary reference conductor 24, and a second auxiliary reference conductor 26.

[0098] The first resonator 14A differs from the first resonator 14 shown in Fig. 2 in that the length of at least one side is set to λ / 4. The second resonator 16A differs from the second resonator 16 shown in Fig. 2 in that the length of at least one side is set to λ / 4.

[0099] The first resonator 14A is configured to resonate by receiving an electromagnetic wave from the +Z-axis direction. The first resonator 14A is configured to radiate an electromagnetic wave when resonating. The first resonator 14A is configured to radiate an electromagnetic wave toward the +Z-axis direction when resonating.

[0100] The second resonator 16A is configured to radiate electromagnetic waves when resonating. The second resonator 16A is configured to radiate electromagnetic waves in the −Z-axis direction when resonating. The second resonator 16A is configured to resonate by receiving electromagnetic waves from the −Z-axis direction.

[0101] The second resonator 16A may be configured to resonate in a different phase from the first resonator 14A. The second resonator 16A may be configured to resonate in a direction in the XY plane that is different from the resonance direction of the first resonator 14A. For example, when the first resonator 14A is configured to resonate in the X-axis direction, the second resonator 16A may be configured to resonate in the Y-axis direction. The resonance direction of the second resonator 16A may be configured to change over time with respect to the resonance direction of the first resonator 14A in the XY plane. The second resonator 16A may be configured to attenuate and radiate the electromagnetic waves in the first frequency band received by the first resonator 14A.

[0102] The third resonator 22 may be arranged between the first resonator 14A and the second resonator 16A in the Z-axis direction. The third resonator 22 may be located within the opening 18c of the reference conductor 18. The third resonator 22 may be located within the opening 18c so as not to contact the reference conductor 18. In other words, the third resonator 22 is surrounded by the reference conductor 18.

[0103] The first auxiliary reference conductor 24 may be arranged between the first resonator 14A and the reference conductor 18. The first auxiliary reference conductor 24 may be formed of a conductor. The second auxiliary reference conductor 26 may be arranged between the second resonator 16A and the reference conductor 18. The second auxiliary reference conductor 26 may be formed of a conductor.

[0104] One end of each of the connection lines 20A, 20B, and 20C is electromagnetically connected to the first resonator 14A. The other end of each of the connection lines 20A, 20B, and 20C is electromagnetically connected to the second resonator 16A. The connection lines 20A, 20B, and 20C are electromagnetically connected to the reference conductor 18, the first auxiliary reference conductor 24, and the second auxiliary reference conductor 26, respectively.

[0105] The frequency characteristics of the unit structure according to the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the unit structure according to the embodiment.

[0106] In FIG. 19, the horizontal axis represents frequency [GHz] and the vertical axis represents gain [dB]. FIG. 19 shows graphs G13 and G14. Graph G13 represents the transmission coefficient. Graph G14 represents the reflection coefficient. Graph G13 shows that the insertion loss in the region from near 18.00 GHz to near 27.00 GHz is -3 dB or more, indicating good transmission characteristics. Graph G14 shows that the reflection coefficient in the region from near 18.00 GHz to near 27.00 GHz is low. In other words, the unit structure 10d shown in FIG. 18 has good transmission characteristics over a wide range, from near 18.00 GHz to near 27.00 GHz. By arranging such unit structures 10d two-dimensionally, the radio wave refraction plate according to each embodiment can be configured.

[0107] [Ninth embodiment] Next, a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 20 is a diagram for explaining the refraction direction of radio waves at a radio wave refraction plate.

[0108] FIG. 20 shows a radio wave refraction plate 1. The radio wave refraction plate 1 includes a plurality of unit structures 10. The radio wave refraction plate 1 generally has polarization dependency. In the case of a communication method using horizontally polarized waves and vertically polarized waves, the radio wave refraction plate 1 receives horizontally polarized waves 50 and vertically polarized waves 52. In this case, the horizontally polarized waves 50 and the vertically polarized waves 52 are not refracted in the same direction. For example, only the vertically polarized waves 52 are refracted by the radio wave refraction plate 1, and the horizontally polarized waves 50 pass through the radio wave refraction plate 1. In this case, the presence of the radio wave refraction plate 1 may reduce the received power.

[0109] [Unit Structure Configuration] A configuration example of a unit structure according to the ninth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 21. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to the ninth embodiment.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 21 , the unit structure 10e includes a substrate 12, a first resonator 14B, a second resonator 16B, a third resonator 28, a fourth resonator 30, a first reference conductor 40, a second reference conductor 42, and a third reference conductor 44. The unit structure 10e has a seven-layer structure in which seven conductors are stacked. The unit structure 10e is stacked in the following order from bottom to top: the second resonator 16B, the third reference conductor 44, the fourth resonator 30, the second reference conductor 42, the third resonator 28, the first reference conductor 40, and the first resonator 14B. The unit structure 10e has four-fold rotational symmetry in the XY plane.

[0111] The first resonator 14B is formed on the top layer. FIG. 22A is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the first resonator 14B according to the ninth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 22A, the first resonator 14B extends in the XY plane. The first resonator 14B is formed, for example, in the shape of a square patch. That is, the first resonator 14B has four-fold rotational symmetry in the XY plane. The first resonator 14B is not in contact with the edge of the substrate 12. The size of the first resonator 14B can be changed as desired depending on the design. The layer on which the first resonator 14B is formed may also be referred to as the first layer.

[0112] The first reference conductor 40 is formed on a layer immediately below the layer on which the first resonator 14B is formed. FIG. 22B is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the first reference conductor 40 according to the ninth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 22B, the first reference conductor 40 extends on the XY plane. The first reference conductor 40 is configured in a square shape. The first reference conductor 40 has a gap 40a, a gap 40b, a gap 40c, and a gap 40d. The gap 40a is formed, for example, in the upper left corner of the first reference conductor 40. The gap 40b is formed, for example, in the upper right corner of the first reference conductor 40. The gap 40c is formed, for example, in the lower left corner of the first reference conductor 40. The gap 40d is formed, for example, in the lower right corner of the first reference conductor 40. The gaps 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d may be formed, for example, in the same square shape. The first reference conductor 40 has gaps 40a to 40d formed therein so as to have four-fold rotational symmetry. The sizes of the gaps 40a to 40d can be changed as desired depending on the design. The layer on which the first reference conductor 40 is formed may also be referred to as the second layer.

[0113] A third resonator 28 is formed on the layer immediately below the layer on which the first reference conductor 40 is formed. FIG. 22C is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the third resonator 28 according to the ninth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 22C, the third resonator 28 extends in the XY plane. The third resonator 28 is formed, for example, in the shape of a square patch. That is, the third resonator 28 has four-fold rotational symmetry in the XY plane. The third resonator 28 is not in contact with the edge of the substrate 12. The third resonator 28 may be different in size from the first resonator 14B. For example, the third resonator 28 is smaller than the first resonator 14B. The size of the third resonator 28 may be changed as desired depending on the design. The first resonator 14B and the third resonator 28 are magnetically or capacitively connected via gaps 40a to 40d. The layer on which the third resonator 28 is formed may also be referred to as the third layer.

[0114] A second reference conductor 42 is formed on a layer immediately below the layer on which the third resonator 28 is formed. FIG. 22D is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the second reference conductor 42 according to the ninth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 22D, the second reference conductor 42 extends on the XY plane. The second reference conductor 42 is configured in a square shape. The second reference conductor 42 has a gap 42a, a gap 42b, a gap 42c, and a gap 42d. The gap 42a is formed, for example, in the upper left corner of the second reference conductor 42. The gap 42b is formed, for example, in the upper right corner of the second reference conductor 42. The gap 42c is formed, for example, in the lower left corner of the second reference conductor 42. The gap 42d is formed, for example, in the lower right corner of the second reference conductor 42. The gaps 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d may be formed, for example, in the same square shape. The second reference conductor 42 has gaps 42a to 42d formed therein so as to have four-fold rotational symmetry. The gaps 42a to 42d may have different sizes from the gaps 40a to 40d of the first reference conductor 40. For example, the sizes of the gaps 42a to 42d are larger than the gaps 40a to 40d of the first reference conductor 40. The sizes of the gaps 42a to 42d may be changed as desired depending on the design. The layer on which the second reference conductor 42 is formed may also be referred to as the fourth layer.

[0115] A fourth resonator 30 is formed on the layer immediately below the layer on which the second reference conductor 42 is formed. FIG. 22E is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the fourth resonator 30 according to the ninth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 22E, the fourth resonator 30 extends in the XY plane. The fourth resonator 30 is formed in the shape of a square patch. That is, the fourth resonator 30 has four-fold rotational symmetry in the XY plane. The fourth resonator 30 is not in contact with the edge of the substrate 12. The fourth resonator 30 has the same shape as the third resonator 28 illustrated in FIG. 22C. The third resonator 28 and the fourth resonator 30 are magnetically or capacitively connected via gaps 42a to 42d. The layer on which the fourth resonator 30 is formed may also be referred to as the fifth layer.

[0116] A third reference conductor 44 is formed on the layer immediately below the layer on which the fourth resonator 30 is formed. FIG. 22F is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the third reference conductor 44 according to the ninth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 22F, the third reference conductor 44 extends on the XY plane. The third reference conductor 44 is configured in a square shape. The third reference conductor 44 has a gap 44a, a gap 44b, a gap 44c, and a gap 44d. The third reference conductor 44 has the same shape as the second reference conductor 42 illustrated in FIG. 22B. The layer on which the third reference conductor 44 is formed may also be referred to as the sixth layer.

[0117] The second resonator 16B is formed on the layer immediately below the layer on which the third reference conductor 44 is formed. FIG. 22G is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the second resonator 16B according to the ninth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 22G, the second resonator 16B extends on the XY plane. The second resonator 16B is formed, for example, in the shape of a square patch. That is, the second resonator 16B has four-fold rotational symmetry on the XY plane. The second resonator 16B has the same shape as the first resonator 14B illustrated in FIG. 22A. The second resonator 16B and the fourth resonator 30 are magnetically or capacitively connected via gaps 44a to 44d. The layer on which the second resonator 16B is formed is also referred to as the seventh layer.

[0118] In the present disclosure, resonators may be formed in odd-numbered layers and reference conductors may be formed in even-numbered layers in a unit structure. The first resonator 14B and the third resonator 28 are magnetically or capacitively connected at a position of four-fold rotational symmetry. The third resonator 28 and the fourth resonator 30 are magnetically or capacitively connected at a position of four-fold rotational symmetry. The second resonator 16B and the fourth resonator 30 are magnetically or capacitively connected at a position of four-fold rotational symmetry. Therefore, the unit structure 10e functions as a filter for both horizontally polarized waves and vertically polarized waves. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating the refraction direction of radio waves in a radio wave refraction plate according to the ninth embodiment. FIG. 23 shows a radio wave refraction plate 1D according to the ninth embodiment. The radio wave refraction plate 1D includes multiple unit structures 10e. As shown in FIG. 23, the radio wave refraction plate 1D receives horizontally polarized waves 50 and vertically polarized waves 52 from a base station or the like in the same direction. In this case, the horizontally polarized wave 50 and the vertically polarized wave 52 are refracted in the same direction. Therefore, in the ninth embodiment, high reception power can be obtained in the refraction direction of the radio wave refraction plate 1D.

[0119] In the ninth embodiment, the unit structure 10e has been described as having four-fold rotational symmetry, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The unit structure of the present disclosure may have N-fold rotational symmetry (N is an integer of 3 or more).

[0120] [Modification of the ninth embodiment] Next, a modified example of the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the ninth embodiment, each reference conductor has been described as forming gaps at four corners of a square patch-shaped conductor. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0121] (First Modification) Fig. 24 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reference conductor according to a first modified example of the ninth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 24, the reference conductor 60 may be formed in a square shape. The reference conductor 60 has a gap 60a, a gap 60b, a gap 60c, and a gap 60d.

[0122] The void 60a may be formed in the upper center of the reference conductor 60. The void 60b may be formed in the right center of the reference conductor 60. The void 60c may be formed in the lower center of the reference conductor 60. The void 60d may be formed in the left center of the reference conductor 60.

[0123] The air gaps 60a to 60d may be formed in the same rectangular shape. The reference conductor 60 has four-fold rotational symmetry in the XY plane.

[0124] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a unit structure according to a first modified example of the ninth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 25, the unit structure 10f includes a substrate 12, a first resonator 14B, a second resonator 16B, a third resonator 28, a reference conductor 60-1, and a reference conductor 60-2. The unit structure 10f is stacked in the following order from bottom to top: the second resonator 16B, the reference conductor 60-2, the third resonator 28, the reference conductor 60-1, and the first resonator 14B. The substrate 12, the first resonator 14B, the second resonator 16B, the third resonator 28, the reference conductor 60-1, and the reference conductor 60-2 each extend in the XY plane. The unit structure 10f has four-fold rotational symmetry in the XY plane. The reference conductors 60-1 and 60-2 have the same configuration as the reference conductor 60 shown in FIG. 24. 25, the first resonator 14B and the third resonator 28 are magnetically or capacitively connected via the gaps 60a to 60d in the reference conductor 60-1. The second resonator 16B and the third resonator 28 are magnetically or capacitively connected via the gaps 60a to 60d in the reference conductor 60-2. The unit structure 10f has four-fold rotational symmetry in the XY plane.

[0125] By using the unit structure 10f according to the first modified example of the ninth embodiment to form a radio wave refraction plate, horizontally polarized waves and vertically polarized waves can be refracted in the same direction.

[0126] (Second Modification) FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reference conductor according to a second modified example of the ninth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 26, the reference conductor 62 includes a central conductor 62-1 and a peripheral conductor 62-2. The central conductor 62-1 may be formed in a square shape. The peripheral conductor 62-2 may be formed in a square shape. The peripheral conductor 62-2 has a void 62a in its central portion. The void 62a may be formed in a square shape. The central conductor 62-1 may be located in the central portion of the void 62a. The reference conductor 62 has four-fold rotational symmetry in the XY plane.

[0127] Fig. 27 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to a second modified example of the ninth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 27, the unit structure 10g includes a substrate 12, a first resonator 14B, a second resonator 16B, and a reference conductor 62. The unit structure 10g is stacked in the following order from bottom to top: the second resonator 16B, the reference conductor 62, and the first resonator 14B. In Fig. 27, the first resonator 14B and the second resonator 16B are magnetically or capacitively connected via a gap 62a in the reference conductor 62. The unit structure 10g has four-fold rotational symmetry in the XY plane.

[0128] By using the unit structure 10g according to the second modified example of the ninth embodiment to form a radio wave refraction plate, horizontally polarized waves and vertically polarized waves can be refracted in the same direction.

[0129] (Third Modification) FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reference conductor according to a third modified example of the ninth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 28, the reference conductor 64 includes a central conductor 64-1 and a peripheral conductor 64-2. The central conductor 64-1 may be formed in a cross shape. The peripheral conductor 64-2 may be formed in a square shape. The peripheral conductor 64-2 has a gap 64a in its central portion. The gap 64a may be formed in a square shape. The central conductor 64-1 may be located in the center of the gap 64a. The reference conductor 64 has four-fold rotational symmetry in the XY plane.

[0130] FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a unit structure according to a third modified example of the ninth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 29, the unit structure 10h includes a substrate 12, a first resonator 14B, a second resonator 16B, and a reference conductor 64. The unit structure 10h is stacked in the order of the second resonator 16B, the reference conductor 64, and the first resonator 14B from the bottom up. The first resonator 14B, the second resonator 16B, and the reference conductor 64 extend in the XY plane. In FIG. 29, the first resonator 14B and the second resonator 16B are magnetically or capacitively connected via a gap 64a in the reference conductor 64. The unit structure 10h has four-fold rotational symmetry in the XY plane.

[0131] By using the unit structure 10h according to the third modified example of the ninth embodiment to form a radio wave refraction plate, horizontally polarized waves and vertically polarized waves can be refracted in the same direction.

[0132] (Fourth Modification) Fig. 30 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reference conductor according to a fourth modified example of the ninth embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 30, the reference conductor 66 includes a peripheral conductor 66-1, an upper conductor 66-2, a right conductor 66-3, a lower conductor 66-4, and a left conductor 66-5.

[0133] The peripheral conductor 66-1 may be formed in the shape of a square frame. The peripheral conductor 66-1 has a square-shaped void 66a. The top conductor 66-2 may be formed in the void 66a at the center of the top edge of the peripheral conductor 66-1. The right conductor 66-3 may be formed in the void 66a at the center of the right edge of the peripheral conductor 66-1. The bottom conductor 66-4 may be formed in the void 66a at the center of the bottom edge of the peripheral conductor 66-1. The left conductor 66-5 may be formed in the void 66a at the center of the left edge of the peripheral conductor 66-1. The top conductor 66-2, the right conductor 66-3, the bottom conductor 66-4, and the left conductor 66-5 may be formed in the same shape. The top conductor 66-2, the right conductor 66-3, the bottom conductor 66-4, and the left conductor 66-5 may be formed, for example, in a rectangular shape. The reference conductor 66 has four-fold rotational symmetry in the XY plane.

[0134] Fig. 31 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to a fourth modified example of the ninth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 31, the unit structure 10i includes a substrate 12, a first resonator 14B, a second resonator 16B, and a reference conductor 66. The unit structure 10i is stacked in the following order from bottom to top: the second resonator 16B, the reference conductor 66, and the first resonator 14B. In Fig. 31, the first resonator 14B and the second resonator 16B are magnetically or capacitively connected via a gap 66a in the reference conductor 66. The unit structure 10i has four-fold rotational symmetry in the XY plane.

[0135] By using the unit structure 10i according to the fourth modified example of the ninth embodiment to form a radio wave refraction plate, horizontally polarized waves and vertically polarized waves can be refracted in the same direction.

[0136] (Fifth Modification) Fig. 32 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reference conductor according to a fifth modified example of the ninth embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 32, the reference conductor 68 includes a peripheral conductor 68-1, an upper conductor 68-2, a right conductor 68-3, a lower conductor 68-4, and a left conductor 68-5. The peripheral conductor 68-1 may be formed in a square frame shape. The peripheral conductor 68-1 has a square gap 68a. The reference conductor 68 differs from the reference conductor 66 illustrated in Fig. 30 in that the peripheral conductor 68-1, the upper conductor 68-2, the right conductor 68-3, the lower conductor 68-4, and the left conductor 68-5 are formed in a T-shape.

[0137] FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a unit structure according to a fifth modified example of the ninth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 33, a unit structure 10j includes a substrate 12, a first resonator 14B, a second resonator 16B, and a reference conductor 68. The unit structure 10j is stacked in the order of the second resonator 16B, the reference conductor 68, and the first resonator 14B from the bottom up. The first resonator 14B, the second resonator 16B, and the reference conductor 68 extend in the XY plane. In FIG. 33, the first resonator 14B and the second resonator 16B are magnetically or capacitively connected via a gap 68a in the reference conductor 68. The unit structure 104 has four-fold rotational symmetry in the XY plane.

[0138] By using the unit structure 10j according to the fifth modification of the ninth embodiment to form a radio wave refraction plate, horizontally polarized waves and vertically polarized waves can be refracted in the same direction.

[0139] (Sixth Modification) Fig. 34 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a reference conductor according to a sixth modified example of the ninth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 34, the reference conductor 70 includes a frame conductor 70-1 and a frame conductor 70-2.

[0140] The frame conductor 70-1 may be formed in a square frame shape. The frame conductor 70-1 has a square-shaped void 70a. The frame conductor 70-2 may be formed in the void 70a. The frame conductor 70-2 may be formed in a square frame shape. The frame conductor 70-2 has a square-shaped void 70b. In the XY plane, the center of the void 70a may coincide with the center of the void 70b. The reference conductor 70 has four-fold rotational symmetry in the XY plane.

[0141] Fig. 35 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to a sixth modified example of the ninth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 35, a unit structure 10k includes a substrate 12, a first resonator 14C, a second resonator 16C, and a reference conductor 68. In a unit structure 10j, the second resonator 16C, the reference conductor 70, and the first resonator 14C are stacked in this order from the bottom. The first resonator 14C, the second resonator 16C, and the reference conductor 68 extend in the XY plane.

[0142] The first resonator 14C is formed in a square shape. The first resonator 14C is formed in a frame shape. The second resonator 16C is formed in a square shape. The second resonator 16C is formed in a frame shape. The first resonator 14C and the second resonator 16C have the same shape. FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a resonator according to a sixth modified example of the ninth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 36, the first resonator 14C is formed in a square frame shape. In other words, the shape of the resonators formed in the odd-numbered layers of the present disclosure is not limited to a square shape.

[0143] The first resonator 14C and the second resonator 16C are configured to be magnetically or capacitively coupled to each other via an air gap 70a and an air gap 70b.

[0144] By using the unit structure 10k according to the sixth modified example of the ninth embodiment to form a radio wave refraction plate, horizontally polarized waves and vertically polarized waves can be refracted in the same direction.

[0145] (Seventh Modification) As described in the sixth modified example of the ninth embodiment, the shape of the resonator of the present disclosure is not limited to a square. Fig. 37 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a resonator according to the seventh modified example of the ninth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 37, the first resonator 14D may be formed in a triangular shape. The first resonator 14D has three-fold rotational symmetry. That is, in the present disclosure, the resonator may be formed in an N-sided polygon (N is an integer equal to or greater than 3) or a circular shape.

[0146] [Tenth embodiment] Next, a tenth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the above embodiments, the unit structures have been described as being quadrangular prisms, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0147] Figures 38 and 39 are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a unit structure according to embodiment 10. Figures 38 and 39 are diagrams showing a unit structure 10l as viewed from above.

[0148] As shown in Fig. 38, the substrate 12A is formed in a hexagonal shape when viewed from above. That is, the unit structure 10l is a hexagonal prism. In this case, the first resonator 14E can be formed in a hexagonal shape. That is, the unit structure according to the tenth embodiment can be formed in a polygonal shape. Specifically, the unit structure according to the tenth embodiment can be formed in an N-sided (N is an integer equal to or greater than 3) polygonal shape.

[0149] 39, the substrate 12B is formed in a circular shape when viewed from above. That is, the unit structure 10m is a cylinder. In this case, the first resonator 14F can be formed in a circular shape.

[0150] As shown in the tenth embodiment, in the present disclosure, the configuration of the unit structure is not limited to a quadrangular prism, and various shapes can be used.

[0151] [Eleventh embodiment] Next, an eleventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0152] [Unit Structure Configuration] A configuration example of a unit structure according to the 11th embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 40. Fig. 40 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to the 11th embodiment.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 40, a unit structure 10n differs from the unit structure 10a shown in FIG. 9 in that it includes a connection line 20, a connection conductor 80, a connection conductor 82, a variable capacitance element 90, and a variable capacitance element 92.

[0154] The connecting conductor 80 may be formed on the same surface as the first resonator 14. The connecting conductor 80 is smaller than the first resonator 14. The connecting conductor 80 may be arranged next to the first resonator 14 with a gap therebetween.

[0155] The connecting conductor 82 may be formed on the same surface as the second resonator 16. The connecting conductor 82 is smaller than the second resonator 16. The connecting conductor 82 may be arranged next to the second resonator 16 with a gap therebetween.

[0156] The variable capacitance element 90 may be disposed in the gap between the first resonator 14 and the connecting conductor 80. One end of the variable capacitance element 90 may be connected to the first resonator 14, and the other end may be connected to the connecting conductor 80. The variable capacitance element 90 may be, for example, a varactor diode, but is not limited to this.

[0157] The variable capacitance element 92 may be disposed in the gap between the second resonator 16 and the connecting conductor 82. One end of the variable capacitance element 92 may be connected to the second resonator 16, and the other end may be connected to the connecting conductor 82. The variable capacitance element 92 may be, for example, but is not limited to, a varactor diode.

[0158] It is not necessary to provide both the variable capacitance element 90 and the variable capacitance element 92. It is sufficient that at least one of the variable capacitance element 90 and the variable capacitance element 92 is provided.

[0159] One end of the connection line 20 is connected to the connection conductor 80, and the other end of the connection line 20 is connected to the connection conductor 82. The connection line 20 may be a line parallel to the Z-axis direction. A through hole 18b through which the connection line 20 passes is formed in the reference conductor 18.

[0160] That is, in the unit structure 10n, the variable capacitance element 91 and the variable capacitance element 92 are arranged so as to connect the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16 to each other.

[0161] Fig. 41 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a unit structure according to the eleventh embodiment. As shown in Fig. 41, in the eleventh embodiment, a variable capacitance C is connected between the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16. In the unit structure 10n, when a capacitance is connected between the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16, the refraction angle, convergence, transmittance, etc. of the radio wave can be changed. That is, by connecting the variable capacitance C between the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16 and dynamically controlling the capacitance, it becomes possible to dynamically control the refraction angle, convergence, transmittance, etc. of the radio wave.

[0162] For example, when the capacitance connected between the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16 is 1 fF (Femto Farad), the unit structure 10n shifts the phase of electromagnetic waves near 27.75 GHz by approximately 28°. In this case, for example, when the capacitance connected between the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16 is changed to 14 fF, the amount of phase shift of electromagnetic waves near 27.75 GHz of the unit structure 10n changes to approximately −33°.

[0163] In the eleventh embodiment, the capacitance between the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16 can be controlled by controlling the voltages applied to the variable capacitance element 90 and the variable capacitance element 92. For example, when communicating with a base station indoors via a radio wave refraction plate including the unit structure 10n, if the reception sensitivity of electromagnetic waves is low, the voltages applied to the variable capacitance element 90 and the variable capacitance element 92 can be controlled to change the refraction angle, convergence, transmittance, and the like of the radio waves. This allows the eleventh embodiment to achieve a desired reception sensitivity. The voltages applied to the variable capacitance element 90 and the variable capacitance element 92 may be set automatically by a control device (not shown) based on the reception sensitivity of the receiver, or may be set manually.

[0164] As described above, in the eleventh embodiment, the resonant frequency of the unit structure 10n can be controlled by changing the voltage applied to the variable capacitance element 90 and the variable capacitance element 92 connected between the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16. This makes it possible in the eleventh embodiment to dynamically control the refraction angle, convergence, and transmittance of radio waves.

[0165] [Modification of the eleventh embodiment] Next, a modified example of the eleventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0166] In the eleventh embodiment, the variable capacitance element 90 and the variable capacitance element 92 are connected between the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16. A variable inductor may be connected between the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16.

[0167] The first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16 are magnetically or capacitively connected to each other. Therefore, a variable capacitance element or a variable inductor may be connected between the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16 depending on the balance between the magnetic coupling and the capacitive coupling between the first resonator 14 and the second resonator 16.

[0168] [Twelfth embodiment] Next, a twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0169] [Unit Structure Configuration] A configuration example of a unit structure according to the twelfth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 42 and Fig. 43. Fig. 42 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to the twelfth embodiment. Fig. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration example of a unit structure according to the twelfth embodiment.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 42, the unit structure 10o includes a substrate 12, a first resonator 14, a second resonator 16, a variable capacitance element 90, a variable capacitance element 92, a variable capacitance element 94, a variable capacitance element 96, a variable capacitance element 98, a first reference conductor 100, a second reference conductor 102, a third resonator 110, a fourth resonator 112, a connecting line 120, a connecting line 122, a connecting line 124, and a connecting line 126.

[0171] The unit structure 10o is formed by laminating the second resonator 16, the second reference conductor 102, the first reference conductor 100, and the first resonator 14 in this order from the bottom.

[0172] The first reference conductor 100 extends in the XY plane. The first reference conductor 100 is formed in a square shape. The first reference conductor 100 has a rectangular gap 100a. A rectangular third resonator 110 is formed in the gap 100a.

[0173] The second reference conductor 102 extends in the XY plane. The second reference conductor 102 is formed in a square shape. The second reference conductor 102 has a rectangular gap 102a. A rectangular fourth resonator 112 is formed in the gap 102a.

[0174] The third resonator 110 has one of its four sides connected to the first reference conductor 100. The third resonator 110 extends in the −X direction from the connection with the first reference conductor 100. The unit structure 10o has gaps between the remaining three sides of the third resonator 110 and the first reference conductor 100. The first reference conductor 100 and the third resonator 110 are magnetically or capacitively connected via the gap.

[0175] One of the four sides of the fourth resonator 112 is connected to the second reference conductor 102. The fourth resonator 112 extends in the X direction from the connection with the second reference conductor 102. The second reference conductor 102 and the fourth resonator 112 have a structure in which the first reference conductor 100 and the third resonator 110 are rotated 180° in the XY plane. The unit structure 10o has gaps between the remaining three sides of the fourth resonator 112 and the second reference conductor 102. The second reference conductor 102 and the fourth resonator 112 are magnetically or capacitively connected via the gap.

[0176] The connection line 120 and the connection line 122 are located between the first resonator 14 and the first reference conductor 100 .

[0177] The connection line 120 magnetically or capacitively connects the first resonator 14 and the first reference conductor 100. One end of the connection line 120 is connected to the first resonator 14, and the other end of the connection line 120 is connected to the first reference conductor 100. There may be two or more connection lines that magnetically or capacitively connect the first resonator 14 and the first reference conductor 100.

[0178] The connection line 122 magnetically or capacitively connects the first resonator 14 and the third resonator 110. One end of the connection line 122 is connected to the first resonator 14, and the other end of the connection line 122 is connected to the third resonator 110. There may be two or more connection lines that magnetically or capacitively connect the first resonator 14 and the third resonator 110.

[0179] The connection line 124 and the connection line 126 are located between the second resonator 16 and the second reference conductor 102 .

[0180] The connection line 124 magnetically or capacitively connects the second resonator 16 and the fourth resonator 112. One end of the connection line 124 is connected to the second resonator 16, and the other end of the connection line 124 is connected to the fourth resonator 112. There may be two or more connection lines that magnetically or capacitively connect the second resonator 16 and the fourth resonator 112.

[0181] The connection line 126 magnetically or capacitively connects the second resonator 16 and the second reference conductor 102. One end of the connection line 126 is connected to the second resonator 16, and the other end of the connection line 126 is connected to the second reference conductor 102. There may be two or more connection lines that magnetically or capacitively connect the second resonator 16 and the second reference conductor 102.

[0182] The variable capacitance element 90 is disposed between the first resonator 14 and the first reference conductor 100. The variable capacitance element 90 is disposed, for example, at the connection portion between the first reference conductor 100 and the connection line 120.

[0183] The variable capacitance element 92 is disposed in a gap between the first reference conductor 100 and the third resonator 110. The variable capacitance element 92 is disposed, for example, in a gap between the first reference conductor 100 and a side of the third resonator 110 opposite to the side connected to the first reference conductor 100.

[0184] The variable capacitance element 94 is disposed in the gap between the second reference conductor 102 and the fourth resonator 112. The variable capacitance element 94 is disposed, for example, in the gap between the second reference conductor 102 and a side of the fourth resonator 112 opposite to the side connected to the second reference conductor 102.

[0185] The variable capacitance element 96 is disposed between the second resonator 16 and the second reference conductor 102. The variable capacitance element 96 is disposed, for example, at the connection portion between the second reference conductor 102 and the connection line 126.

[0186] That is, in the twelfth embodiment, in the unit structure 10o, a variable capacitance element is connected between each resonator and each reference conductor.

[0187] In the twelfth embodiment, by applying a voltage to each of the variable capacitance elements 90 to 96, the capacitance between each resonator and each reference conductor changes, thereby changing the resonance frequency of the unit structure 10o. This makes it possible to dynamically control the refraction angle, convergence, and transmittance of radio waves in the twelfth embodiment.

[0188] For example, when variable capacitance elements 90 to 96 are not connected, unit structure 10o shifts the phase of electromagnetic waves near 22.50 GHz by approximately -67°. In this case, if the capacitance of variable capacitance elements 90 to 96 is changed to 0.005 pF (Pico Farad), the phase shift of electromagnetic waves near 22.50 GHz of unit structure 10o changes to approximately -114°. Note that the capacitance of variable capacitance elements 90 to 96 is not limited to 0.005 pF and may be changed as desired depending on the design.

[0189] As described above, in the twelfth embodiment, the capacitance between the resonators can be changed by changing the voltage applied to the variable capacitance element connected between each resonator and each reference conductor, thereby making it possible to dynamically control the refraction angle, convergence, and transmittance of radio waves.

[0190] [First Modification of the Twelfth Embodiment] Next, a first modified example of the twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0191] [Unit Structure Configuration] A configuration example of a unit structure according to a first modified example of the twelfth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 44 and Fig. 45. Fig. 44 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to a first modified example of the twelfth embodiment. Fig. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration example of a unit structure according to the first modified example of the twelfth embodiment.

[0192] 44 and 45, the unit structure 10p differs from the unit structure 10o shown in Figures 42 and 43 in that the third resonator 110 and the fourth resonator 112 are configured to face each other. That is, the unit structure 10p has a configuration in which the second reference conductor 102 and the fourth resonator 11 of the unit structure 10o shown in Figures 42 and 43 are rotated by 180° on the XY plane.

[0193] In the first modified example of the twelfth embodiment, by applying a voltage to each of the variable capacitance elements 90 to 96, the refraction angle, convergence, and transmittance of the radio wave can be dynamically controlled.

[0194] For example, when variable capacitance elements 90 to 96 are not connected, unit structure 10o shifts the phase of electromagnetic waves near 22.50 GHz by approximately -102°. In this case, if the capacitance of variable capacitance elements 90 to 96 is changed to 0.005 pF (Pico Farad), the phase shift of electromagnetic waves near 22.50 GHz of unit structure 10o changes to approximately -143°. Note that the capacitance of variable capacitance elements 90 to 96 is not limited to 0.005 pF and may be changed as desired depending on the design.

[0195] [Second Modification of the Twelfth Embodiment] Next, a second modification of the twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0196] In the twelfth embodiment, a voltage is applied to a variable capacitance element connected between each resonator and each reference conductor to change the resonant frequency of the unit structure 10n, thereby changing the refraction angle of the radio wave refraction plate, etc. In the present disclosure, the method for changing the resonant frequency of the unit structure 10n is not limited to this.

[0197] In the present disclosure, for example, in order to change the resonant frequency of the unit structure 10n, a portion of the first reference conductor 100 or the second reference conductor 102 may be trimmed to widen the gap in the first reference conductor 100 or the second reference conductor 102. This changes, for example, the strength of the magnetic or capacitive connection between the first reference conductor 100 and the third resonator 110, and therefore the resonant frequency of the unit structure 10n can also be changed.

[0198] [Third Modification of the Twelfth Embodiment] Next, a third modified example of the twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0199] In the twelfth embodiment, the variable capacitance elements are connected between the resonators, but variable inductors may be connected between the resonators.

[0200] Each resonator is magnetically or capacitively connected, so a variable capacitance element or a variable inductor may be connected between the resonators depending on the balance of the magnetic coupling and capacitive coupling of the resonators.

[0201] [Thirteenth embodiment] Next, a thirteenth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0202] In the twelfth embodiment, the resonant frequency is changed by connecting a variable capacitance element between the resonators or between the resonators and the reference conductor. As shown in the thirteenth embodiment, a liquid crystal may be inserted between the reference conductors.

[0203] FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of a configuration example of a unit structure according to the thirteenth embodiment.

[0204] 46, the unit structure 10q includes a substrate 12, a first resonator 14, a second resonator 16, a variable capacitance element 90, a variable capacitance element 92, a variable capacitance element 94, a variable capacitance element 96, a variable capacitance element 98, a first reference conductor 100, a second reference conductor 102, a third resonator 110, a fourth resonator 112, a connection line 120, a connection line 122, a connection line 124, a connection line 126, and a variable permittivity material 130. The unit structure 10q is the same as the unit structure 10o shown in FIGS. 42 and 43 except for the inclusion of the variable permittivity material 130, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0205] 46, the permittivity variable material 130 is inserted between a first reference conductor 100 and a second reference conductor 102. The permittivity variable material 130 is a material whose permittivity changes when a voltage is applied. The permittivity variable material 130 may be, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal.

[0206] In the thirteenth embodiment, the resonant frequency of the unit structure 10q can be changed by changing the dielectric constant by applying a voltage to the dielectric constant variable material 130. That is, in the thirteenth embodiment, the resonant frequency of the dielectric constant of the unit structure 10q can be controlled by controlling the dielectric constant of the dielectric constant variable material 130.

[0207] As described above, the thirteenth embodiment can change the resonant frequency of the unit structure 10q by changing the dielectric constant of the dielectric variable material 130 inserted between the first reference conductor 100 and the second reference conductor 102. This makes it possible for the thirteenth embodiment to dynamically control the refraction angle, convergence, and transmittance of radio waves.

[0208] [Modification of the thirteenth embodiment] In the thirteenth embodiment, the dielectric constant is changed by inserting the variable dielectric material 130 between the first reference conductor 100 and the second reference conductor 102. In the present disclosure, the configuration for changing the dielectric constant is not limited to this.

[0209] For example, in a modification of the thirteenth embodiment, the substrate 12 may be made of a variable dielectric constant material such as liquid crystal in Fig. 46. In this case, the dielectric constant can be changed by applying a voltage to the substrate 12.

[0210] As described above, in the modification of the thirteenth embodiment, the resonant frequency of the unit structure 10q can be changed by changing the dielectric constant of the substrate 12 made of a variable dielectric constant material such as liquid crystal, which makes it possible to dynamically control the refraction angle, convergence, and transmittance of radio waves.

[0211] [Fourteenth embodiment] Next, a fourteenth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 47 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to the fourteenth embodiment.

[0212] As shown in FIG. 47 , the unit structure 10r includes a first dielectric layer 140, a second dielectric layer 142, a third dielectric layer 144, a fourth dielectric layer 146, a first reference conductor 150, a second reference conductor 152, a third reference conductor 154, a first floating conductor 160, a second floating conductor 162, and a third floating conductor 164. The first reference conductor 150 and the first floating conductor 160 are formed on the same layer. The second reference conductor 152 and the second floating conductor 162 are formed on the same layer. The third reference conductor 154 and the third floating conductor 164 are formed on the same layer. The unit structure 10r is stacked in the following order from bottom to top: fourth dielectric layer 146, third reference conductor 154 and third floating conductor 164, third dielectric layer 144, second reference conductor 152 and second floating conductor 162, second dielectric layer 142, first reference conductor 150 and first floating conductor 160.

[0213] The first dielectric layer 140 is formed as the top layer. The first dielectric layer 140 extends in the XY plane. The first dielectric layer 140 is a part of the substrate 12. The dielectric constant, thickness, etc. of the first dielectric layer 140 can be changed as desired depending on the design.

[0214] A first reference conductor 150 and a first floating conductor 160 are formed on the layer immediately below the first dielectric layer 140. The first reference conductor 150 and the first floating conductor 160 may also be called a coupling layer. Fig. 48 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the coupling layer according to the fourteenth embodiment.

[0215] As shown in FIG. 48, the first reference conductor 150 extends in the XY plane. The first reference conductor 150 may be formed in a square frame shape. The first reference conductor 150 has a square-shaped gap 150a. The size of the gap 150a may be changed as desired depending on the design. The first floating conductor 160 is disposed in the gap 150a. The first reference conductor 150 may also be referred to as a first frame-shaped conductor.

[0216] The first floating conductor 160 extends in the XY plane and includes, for example, a conductor 160a, a conductor 160b, a conductor 160c, a conductor 160d, a conductor 160e, a conductor 160f, a conductor 160g, a conductor 160h, and a conductor 160i.

[0217] The conductors 160a to 160i extend in the XY plane. The conductors 160a to 160i may be patch conductors formed in a square shape. The conductors 160a to 160i may be arranged in a square shape. In other words, the first floating conductor 160 has a structure in which one square conductor is divided into nine equal parts.

[0218] A gap is formed between the conductor 160a and the first reference conductor 150. A gap is formed between the conductor 160a and the conductor 160b. A gap is formed between the conductor 160a and the conductor 160d. The conductor 160a and the conductor 160b are magnetically or capacitively connected. The conductor 160a and the conductor 160d are magnetically or capacitively connected.

[0219] A gap is formed between the conductor 160b and the first reference conductor 150. A gap is formed between the conductor 160b and the conductor 160c. A gap is formed between the conductor 160b and the conductor 160e. The conductor 160b and the conductor 160c are magnetically or capacitively connected. The conductor 160b and the conductor 160e are magnetically or capacitively connected.

[0220] A gap is formed between the conductor 160c and the first reference conductor 150. A gap is formed between the conductor 160c and the conductor 160f. The conductors 160c and 160f are magnetically or capacitively connected to each other.

[0221] A gap is formed between the conductor 160d and the first reference conductor 150. A gap is formed between the conductor 160d and the conductor 160e. A gap is formed between the conductor 160d and the conductor 160g. The conductor 160d and the conductor 160e are magnetically or capacitively connected. The conductor 160d and the conductor 160g are magnetically or capacitively connected.

[0222] A gap is formed between conductor 160e and conductor 160f. A gap is formed between conductor 160e and conductor 160h. Conductors 160e and conductor 160f are magnetically or capacitively connected. Conductors 160e and conductor 160h are magnetically or capacitively connected.

[0223] A gap is formed between the conductor 160f and the first reference conductor 150. A gap is formed between the conductor 160f and the conductor 160i. The conductors 160f and 160i are magnetically or capacitively connected to each other.

[0224] A gap is formed between the conductor 160g and the first reference conductor 150. A gap is formed between the conductor 160g and the conductor 160h. The conductors 160g and 160h are magnetically or capacitively connected to each other.

[0225] A gap is formed between the conductor 160h and the first reference conductor 150. A gap is formed between the conductor 160h and the conductor 160i. The conductor 160h and the conductor 160i are magnetically or capacitively connected to each other.

[0226] A gap is formed between the conductor 160i and the first reference conductor 150.

[0227] 48, the first floating conductor 160 has been described as having a structure in which a single square conductor is divided into nine parts, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The first floating conductor 160 may have a structure in which a single square conductor is divided into two, four, or sixteen parts, for example. The first floating conductor 160 may also be composed of a single square conductor, for example. That is, the configuration of the first floating conductor 160 can be changed as desired depending on the design.

[0228] Returning to FIG. 47, a second dielectric layer 142 is formed on the layer immediately below the first reference conductor 150 and the first floating conductor 160. The second dielectric layer 142 extends in the XY plane. The second dielectric layer 142 is a part of the substrate 12. The dielectric constant, thickness, etc. of the second dielectric layer 142 can be changed as desired depending on the design.

[0229] A second reference conductor 152 and a second floating conductor 162 are formed on the layer immediately below the second dielectric layer 142. The second reference conductor 152 and the second floating conductor 162 may also be called a coupling layer.

[0230] The second reference conductor 152 extends in the XY plane. The second reference conductor 152 may be formed in a square frame shape, similar to the first reference conductor 150 shown in FIG. 48 . For example, the frame width of the second reference conductor 152 is narrower than that of the first reference conductor 150. The frame width of the second reference conductor 152 may be changed as desired depending on the design. The second reference conductor 152 may also be referred to as a second frame-shaped conductor.

[0231] The second floating conductor 162 extends in the XY plane. The second floating conductor 162 may include nine conductors, similar to the first floating conductor 160 shown in FIG. 48. The nine conductors included in the second floating conductor 162 are smaller than, for example, the conductors 160a to 160i shown in FIG. 48. The sizes of the nine conductors included in the second floating conductor 162 may be changed arbitrarily depending on the design. The configuration of the second floating conductor 162 may be changed arbitrarily depending on the design. The first floating conductor 161 and the second floating conductor 162 may be magnetically or capacitively connected.

[0232] A third dielectric layer 144 is formed on the layer immediately below the second reference conductor 152 and the second floating conductor 162. The third dielectric layer 144 extends in the XY plane. The third dielectric layer 144 is a part of the substrate 12. The dielectric constant, thickness, etc. of the third dielectric layer 144 can be changed as desired depending on the design.

[0233] A third reference conductor 154 and a third floating conductor 164 are formed on the layer immediately below the third dielectric layer 144. The third reference conductor 154 and the third floating conductor 164 may also be referred to as a coupling layer.

[0234] The third reference conductor 154 extends in the XY plane. The third reference conductor 154 has a configuration similar to that of the first reference conductor 150 shown in FIG. 48. The configuration of the third reference conductor 154 can be changed as desired depending on the design. The third reference conductor 154 may also be referred to as a third frame-shaped conductor.

[0235] The third floating conductor 164 extends in the XY plane. The third floating conductor 164 has a configuration similar to that of the first floating conductor 160 shown in FIG. 48. The configuration of the third floating conductor 164 can be changed as desired depending on the design. The second floating conductor 162 and the third floating conductor 166 can be magnetically or capacitively connected.

[0236] A fourth dielectric layer 146 is formed on the layer immediately below the third reference conductor 154 and the third floating conductor 164. The fourth dielectric layer 146 extends in the XY plane. The fourth dielectric layer 146 is a part of the substrate 12. The dielectric constant, thickness, etc. of the fourth dielectric layer 146 can be changed as desired depending on the design.

[0237] That is, the unit structure 10r includes four dielectric layers and three coupling layers. With the above configuration, the first dielectric layer 140, the second dielectric layer 142, the third dielectric layer 144, and the fourth dielectric layer 146 can be used as a resonator in the unit structure 10r.

[0238] The frequency characteristics of the unit structure according to the fourteenth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 49. Fig. 49 is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the unit structure according to the fourteenth embodiment.

[0239] In FIG. 49, the horizontal axis represents frequency [GHz] and the vertical axis represents gain [dB]. Graphs G15 and G16 are shown in FIG. 49. Graph G15 represents the transmission coefficient. Graph G16 represents the reflection coefficient. FIG. 49 shows the reflection characteristics and the reflective characteristics when an electromagnetic wave enters the fourth dielectric layer 146 along the Z-axis direction and exits from the first dielectric layer 140. Graph G15 shows good transmission characteristics, with an insertion loss of -3 dB or more in the region from near 14.00 GHz to near 27.00 GHz. Graph G16 shows good reflection characteristics, with a reflection coefficient of -10 dB or less in the region from near 14.00 GHz to near 27.00 GHz. That is, the unit structure 10r shown in FIG. 47 has good transmission and reflective characteristics in the region from near 14.00 GHz to near 27.00 GHz.

[0240] The amount of phase change of the unit structure according to the fourteenth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 50. Fig. 50 is a graph showing the amount of phase change of the unit structure according to the fourteenth embodiment.

[0241] In Fig. 50, the horizontal axis represents frequency [GHz] and the vertical axis represents phase change [deg]. Graph G17 is shown in Fig. 50. Fig. 50 shows the phase change when an electromagnetic wave enters the fourth dielectric layer 146 along the Z-axis direction and exits from the first dielectric layer 140. As shown in graph G17, the unit structure 10r can change the phase of the electromagnetic wave entering the fourth dielectric layer 146 by 360 degrees within a range from around 15.00 GHz to around 26.00 GHz.

[0242] As described above, the fourteenth embodiment utilizes a dielectric layer as a resonator. This allows the fourteenth embodiment to form a unit structure using three conductor layers, thereby reducing the influence of misalignment between the conductor layers. Furthermore, the fourteenth embodiment allows the unit structure to be formed using three conductor layers, thereby reducing the thickness of the unit structure. This allows the fourteenth embodiment to prevent the radio wave refraction plate from affecting the transmittance of visible light or deteriorating the aesthetic appearance by using a transparent electrode as the conductor layer and attaching the radio wave refraction plate to a transparent plate such as glass.

[0243] [Modification of the 14th embodiment] Next, a modified example of the fourteenth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 51 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to the fourteenth embodiment.

[0244] As shown in FIG. 51, the unit structure 10s includes a first dielectric layer 140A, a second dielectric layer 142A, a first reference conductor 150A, and a first floating conductor 160A. The first reference conductor 150A and the first floating conductor 160A are formed on the same layer. The unit structure 10s differs from the unit structure 10r shown in FIG. 47 in that it does not include a third dielectric layer 144, a fourth dielectric layer 146, a second reference conductor 152, a third reference conductor 154, a second floating conductor 162, or a third floating conductor 164. That is, the unit structure 10s includes two dielectric layers and one coupling layer.

[0245] The dielectric constants and thicknesses of the first dielectric layer 140A and the second dielectric layer 142A can be changed as desired depending on the design. The configuration of the first reference conductor 150A can be changed as desired depending on the design. The configuration of the first floating conductor 160A can be changed as desired depending on the design.

[0246] The frequency characteristics of the unit structure according to the modified example of the fourteenth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 52. Fig. 52 is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the unit structure according to the modified example of the fourteenth embodiment.

[0247] In FIG. 52, the horizontal axis represents frequency [GHz] and the vertical axis represents gain [dB]. FIG. 52 shows graphs G18 and G19. Graph G18 represents the transmission coefficient. Graph G19 represents the reflection coefficient. FIG. 52 shows the reflection characteristics and the reflective characteristics when an electromagnetic wave enters the second dielectric layer 142A along the Z-axis direction and exits the first dielectric layer 140A. Graph G18 shows good transmission characteristics, with an insertion loss of -3 dB or more in a wide range from near 10.00 GHz to near 30.00 GHz. Graph G19 shows good reflection characteristics, with a reflection coefficient of -10 dB or less in the range from near 14.00 GHz to near 27.00 GHz. That is, the unit structure 10r shown in FIG. 47 has good transmission and reflective characteristics in the range from near 14.00 GHz to near 27.00 GHz.

[0248] As described above, in the modification of the fourteenth embodiment, the unit structure can be formed with a single conductor layer, which allows for a thinner thickness and reduces the effect of misalignment of the conductor layer. Furthermore, in the modification of the fourteenth embodiment, for example, the conductor layer or the like can be formed with a transparent electrode, and the radio wave refraction plate can be attached to a transparent plate such as glass, thereby more effectively preventing the radio wave refraction plate from affecting the transmittance of visible light or impairing the aesthetic appearance.

[0249] The above describes the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the elements of the embodiments function as spatial filters. As a result, design can be easily achieved by controlling the phase through frequency shifts in the spatial filter. Furthermore, the transmission plate elements do not need to have similar shapes, and elements from various embodiments can be mixed to function as transmission plates. In this case, as a general filter characteristic, the phase as a normalized filter is determined by determining the number of stages and the coupling between elements. In other words, the initial phase of the filter can be changed by making the inter-resonator coupling inductive or capacitive. For example, in a spatial filter, design can be facilitated by making the low-phase side of the transmission plate element capacitive and the high-phase side inductive. For example, in a spatial filter, design can be facilitated by making the low-phase side of the transmission plate element inductive and the high-phase side capacitive. The boundary between the low-phase side and the high-phase side is not limited to 180°, and various angles such as 120°, 135°, 150°, 210°, 225°, and 240° can be used. When the phase range in one supercell of the spatial filter is 0° to 360°×n, it may include multiple phase boundaries, which are not limited to a single angle but may be independent of each other.

[0250] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the contents of these embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0251] 1. Radio wave refraction plate 10 Unit Structure 12 PCB 14 1st resonator 16 Second resonator 18,60,62,64,66,68,70 Reference conductor 20,120,122,124,126 connecting lines 22,110 Third resonator 24 First auxiliary reference conductor 26 Second auxiliary reference conductor 30,112 4th resonator 40,100,150 First reference conductor 42,102,152 Second reference conductor 44,154 Third reference conductor 80,82 Connecting conductor 90,92,94,96,98 Variable capacitance elements 140 First dielectric layer 142 Second dielectric layer 144 Third Dielectric Layer 146 Fourth Dielectric Layer 160 First floating conductor 162 Second floating conductor 164 Third floating conductor

Claims

1. a plurality of unit structures arranged in a first surface direction; a reference conductor that serves as a reference potential for the plurality of unit structures, The plurality of unit structures are a first resonator extending in the first plane direction; a second resonator spaced apart from the first resonator in a first direction and extending in the first plane direction; and a connecting portion that magnetically or capacitively connects the first resonator and the second resonator in the first direction; Including, the connection portion is located between the first resonator and the second resonator in the first direction and includes a connection line connected to each of the first resonator and the second resonator, The connection line is a third resonator configured to be magnetically or capacitively connected to each of the first resonator and the second resonator, or electrically connected thereto, and the low-phase side of the element of the transmission plate is configured to be capacitive and the high-phase side is configured to be inductive. Radio wave refraction plate.

2. a plurality of unit structures arranged in a first surface direction; a reference conductor that serves as a reference potential for the plurality of unit structures, The plurality of unit structures are a first resonator extending in the first plane direction; a second resonator spaced apart from the first resonator in a first direction and extending in the first plane direction; and a connecting portion that magnetically or capacitively connects the first resonator and the second resonator in the first direction; Including, the connection portion is located between the first resonator and the second resonator in the first direction and includes a connection line connected to each of the first resonator and the second resonator, The connection line is a third resonator configured to be magnetically or capacitively connected to each of the first resonator and the second resonator, or to be electrically connected thereto, and the low-phase side of the element of the transmission plate is configured to be inductive and the high-phase side is configured to be capacitive. Radio wave refraction plate.

3. a plurality of unit structures arranged in a first surface direction; The plurality of unit structures are a first resonator extending in the first plane direction; a second resonator spaced apart from the first resonator in a first direction and extending in the first plane direction; a connection portion that magnetically or capacitively connects the first resonator and the second resonator; Including, the connection portion is a first reference conductor located between the first resonator and the second resonator, extending in the first plane direction, and having a gap; Radio wave refraction plate.

4. a plurality of unit structures arranged in a first surface direction; The plurality of unit structures are a first resonator extending in the first plane direction; a second resonator spaced apart from the first resonator in a first direction and extending in the first plane direction; a first reference conductor located between the first resonator and the second resonator, extending in the first plane direction, having an air gap, and magnetically or capacitively connecting the first resonator and the second resonator; Radio wave refraction plate.

5. a plurality of unit structures arranged in a first surface direction; The plurality of unit structures are a first resonator extending in the first plane direction; a second resonator spaced apart from the first resonator in a first direction and extending in the first plane direction; a first reference conductor located between the first resonator and the second resonator; a third resonator located between the first reference conductor and the second resonator and extending in the first plane direction; a second reference conductor located between the third resonator and the second resonator and extending in the first plane direction; the first reference conductor has an air gap and magnetically or capacitively couples the first resonator and the third resonator; the second reference conductor has an air gap and magnetically or capacitively connects the third resonator and the second resonator. Radio wave refraction plate.

6. a plurality of unit structures arranged in a first surface direction; The plurality of unit structures are a first resonator extending in the first plane direction; a second resonator spaced apart from the first resonator in a first direction and extending in the first plane direction; a first reference conductor located between the first resonator and the second resonator; a third resonator located between the first reference conductor and the second resonator and extending in the first plane direction; a second reference conductor located between the third resonator and the second resonator and extending in the first plane direction; a fourth resonator located between the second reference conductor and the second resonator and extending in the first plane direction; a third reference conductor located between the fourth resonator and the second resonator and extending in the first plane direction; the first reference conductor has an air gap and magnetically or capacitively couples the first resonator and the third resonator; the second reference conductor has an air gap and magnetically or capacitively couples the third resonator and the fourth resonator; the third reference conductor has an air gap and magnetically or capacitively connects the fourth resonator and the second resonator; Radio wave refraction plate.

7. a plurality of unit structures arranged in a first surface direction; a reference conductor that serves as a reference potential for the plurality of unit structures, The plurality of unit structures are a first resonator extending in the first plane direction; a second resonator spaced apart from the first resonator in a first direction and extending in the first plane direction; and a connecting portion that magnetically or capacitively connects the first resonator and the second resonator in the first direction; a variable capacitance element connected between the first resonator and the second resonator, Radio wave refraction plate.

8. a plurality of unit structures arranged in a first surface direction; The plurality of unit structures are a first resonator extending in the first plane direction; a second resonator spaced apart from the first resonator in a first direction and extending in the first plane direction; and a connecting portion that magnetically or capacitively connects the first resonator and the second resonator in the first direction; a first reference conductor located between the first resonator and the second resonator, extending in the first plane direction, having a gap, and serving as a reference potential for the plurality of unit structures; a second reference conductor located between the first reference conductor and the second resonator, extending in the first plane direction, having a gap, and serving as a reference potential for the plurality of unit structures; a third resonator disposed in a gap of the first reference conductor; a fourth resonator disposed in a gap of the second reference conductor; variable capacitance elements connected between the first resonator and the first reference conductor, between the third resonator and the first reference conductor, between the second resonator and the second reference conductor, and between the fourth resonator and the second reference conductor; Radio wave refraction plate.

9. a plurality of unit structures arranged in a first surface direction; The plurality of unit structures are a first resonator extending in the first plane direction; a second resonator spaced apart from the first resonator in a first direction and extending in the first plane direction; and a connecting portion that magnetically or capacitively connects the first resonator and the second resonator in the first direction; a first reference conductor located between the first resonator and the second resonator, extending in the first plane direction, having a gap, and serving as a reference potential for the plurality of unit structures; a second reference conductor located between the first reference conductor and the second resonator, extending in the first plane direction, having a gap, and serving as a reference potential for the plurality of unit structures; a third resonator disposed in a gap of the first reference conductor; a fourth resonator disposed in a gap of the second reference conductor; a variable dielectric constant material inserted between the first reference conductor and the second reference conductor, Radio wave refraction plate.

10. a plurality of unit structures arranged in a first surface direction; The plurality of unit structures are a first dielectric layer extending in the first plane direction; a second dielectric layer spaced apart from the first dielectric layer in a first direction and extending in the first surface direction; a first reference conductor located between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer, extending in the first plane direction, and having a gap formed therein; a first floating conductor disposed in a gap of the first reference conductor; Including, Radio wave refraction plate.

11. a plurality of unit structures arranged in a first surface direction; a reference conductor that serves as a reference potential for the plurality of unit structures, The plurality of unit structures are a first resonator extending in the first plane direction; a second resonator spaced apart from the first resonator in a first direction and extending in the first plane direction; and a connecting portion that magnetically or capacitively connects the first resonator and the second resonator in the first direction; Including, two unit structures positioned adjacent to each other in a second direction, which is an in-plane direction of the first surface direction, are configured so that a phase difference occurs when an electromagnetic wave incident on the first resonator is emitted from the second resonator; Radio wave refraction plate.

12. the third resonator is continuous with the reference conductor in the first plane direction.

3. The radio wave refraction plate according to claim 1 or 2.

13. the first resonator and the second resonator are formed to have N-fold (N is an integer of 3 or more) rotational symmetry in the first plane direction; 4. The radio wave refraction plate according to claim 3.

14. the first reference conductor has the gap formed so as to have N-fold rotational symmetry (N is an integer of 3 or more) in the first plane direction; 11. The radio wave refraction plate according to claim 3 or 10.

15. a third resonator located between the first reference conductor and the second resonator and extending in the first plane direction; a second reference conductor located between the third resonator and the second resonator and extending in the first plane direction; the first reference conductor and the second reference conductor are formed in the same shape; 14. The radio wave refraction plate according to claim 3 or 13.

16. a third resonator located between the first reference conductor and the second resonator and extending in the first plane direction; a second reference conductor located between the third resonator and the second resonator and extending in the first plane direction; a fourth resonator located between the second reference conductor and the second resonator and extending in the first plane direction; a third reference conductor located between the fourth resonator and the second resonator and extending in the first plane direction; the first reference conductor and the third reference conductor are formed in the same shape, The third resonator and the fourth resonator are formed in the same shape.

14. The radio wave refraction plate according to claim 3 or 13.

17. the variable capacitance element is a varactor diode; 9. The radio wave refraction plate according to claim 7 or 8.

18. a plurality of the unit structures are arranged on a substrate including a variable dielectric material; 9. The radio wave refraction plate according to claim 7 or 8.

19. The variable dielectric material is a liquid crystal.

10. The radio wave refraction plate according to claim 9.

20. the first floating conductor includes a plurality of conductors arranged with gaps between them; The radio wave refraction plate according to claim 10.

21. The plurality of unit structures further include a second reference conductor positioned apart from the second dielectric layer in the first direction, extending in the first plane direction, and having a gap formed therein; a second floating conductor disposed in a gap of the second reference conductor; a third dielectric layer positioned apart from the second reference conductor in the first direction and extending in the first surface direction; a third reference conductor positioned apart from the third dielectric layer in the first direction, extending in the first surface direction, and having a gap formed therein; a third floating conductor disposed in a gap of the third reference conductor; a fourth dielectric layer positioned away from the third reference conductor in the first direction and extending in the first surface direction, 21. A radio wave refraction plate according to claim 10 or 20.

22. the first reference conductor and the third reference conductor have the same shape; the first floating conductor and the third floating conductor have the same shape; 22. The radio wave refraction plate according to claim 21.

23. In the plurality of unit structures arranged in the second direction, the phase difference increases with increasing distance from a reference unit structure as the phase difference advances in the forward direction or the reverse direction.

12. The radio wave refraction plate according to claim 11.

24. In the plurality of unit structures arranged in the second direction, the phase difference advances or delays by a first phase difference as the phase advances in the forward direction or the reverse direction.

24. A radio wave refraction plate according to claim 11 or 23.

25. two unit structures positioned adjacent to each other in a third direction that is an in-plane direction of the first surface direction and intersects with the second direction are configured so that electromagnetic waves incident on the first resonator are output in the same phase from the second resonator; 24. A radio wave refraction plate according to claim 11 or 23.

26. two unit structures positioned adjacent to each other in a first radiation direction, which is an in-plane direction of the first surface direction, are configured so that a phase difference occurs when an electromagnetic wave incident on the first resonator is emitted from the second resonator; 24. A radio wave refraction plate according to claim 11 or 23.

27. In the plurality of unit structures arranged in the first radiation direction, the phase difference increases with increasing forward or backward direction relative to a reference unit structure.

27. The radio wave refraction plate according to claim 26.

28. In the plurality of unit structures arranged in the first radial direction, the phase difference advances or delays by a second phase difference as the phase advances in the forward direction or the reverse direction.

27. The radio wave refraction plate according to claim 26.

29. the unit structure has N (N is an integer of 3 or more)-fold rotational symmetry in the first plane direction; 7. The radio wave refraction plate according to claim 3.

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