Controlled pattern leaky wave antenna

Abstract

The present invention relates to a controlled pattern leaky wave antenna configured to operate at a millimeter wave frequency, the antenna comprising: a printed circuit board comprising at least the following arranged in a specified order from bottom to top: a metal ground layer; a dielectric layer; rows of metallized strips arranged on an upper surface of the dielectric layer and extending in a propagation direction of a surface electromagnetic wave in the dielectric layer, wherein every two adjacent metallized strips form a cell; a photoconductive layer located on an upper surface of the metallized strips, wherein its outer surface forms a radiation surface of the antenna; light sources configured to emit light onto photoconductive layer portions located between the metallized strips in each cell; and an impedance control unit configured to control an antenna pattern by controlling an impedance in the rows of metallized strips by switching on and switching off the light sources.

Description

CONTROLLED PATTERN LEAKY WAVE ANTENNA

[0001] The present invention relates in general to wireless communications, and, in particular, to a controlled pattern leaky wave antenna.

[0002] In some regions and localities, physical cable laying or installing a cellular base station tower are not reasonable to provide communication, for example, due to the small number of users and low load on the cellular network. Application of smart repeaters (SR) or fixed wireless access (FWA) systems can solve the problem of "last mile" access (a link connecting a client equipment to a communications provider access node), especially for areas of the so-called "digital deserts" where there is no infrastructure such as cables or fiber optic lines, and for areas of "signal shadowing" where the cellular base station signal does not reach, for example, because it is obscured by buildings or other objects within the city. In this case, especially for the regions with the small number of users, it is economically reasonable to find a solution with a simplified architecture and lower power consumption, but sufficient for a low load and providing full functionality for forming a predetermined antenna (beam) pattern and performing antenna beam scanning in the required scanning sector.

[0003] A leaky wave antenna using only one RF signal feed port has low DC power consumption and, due to the large antenna aperture, the ability to provide high directivity of pattern and gain, therefore, this type of antenna a good candidate for communication systems in "digital desert" areas and "signal shadowing" areas. Technical solutions for the leaky wave antennas are known from the prior art, in which antenna beam scanning is also carried out which is implemented using pin-diodes or varactors. However, in most existing technical solutions they are located very close to the antenna aperture, which affects the radiation and beam forming characteristics. In addition, these elements require matching circuits to compensate for a parasitic reactance of a bias circuit. All this increases the overall losses and reduces the efficiency of the antenna.

[0004] In prior art, technical solutions for the leaky wave antenna are known.

[0005] A document "Amit M. Patel, Anthony Grbic "A Printed Leaky-Wave Antenna Based on a Sinusoidally-Modulated Reactance Surface", IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Volume: 59, Issue: 6, published on 19 April 2011, https: / ieeexplore.ieee.org / document / 5752223≫ provides a printed leaky-wave antenna with a sinusoidally-modulated surface reactance. The radiation area of the antenna is formed by metal strips transversally arranged on the dielectric layer in relation to the propagation direction of wave. The antenna radiates in only one direction and beam scanning cannot be implemented.

[0006] A document "Meng Wang et al. "Frequency-Fixed Beam-Scanning Leaky-Wave Antenna Using Electronically Controllable Corrugated Microstrip Line", IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Volume: 66, Issue: 9, published on 13 June 2018, https: / ieeexplore.ieee.org / document / 8383999≫ provides a leaky-wave antenna comprising a corrugated microstrip line loaded by the varactor diodes. For the antenna beam scanning, the surface impedance of the antenna is reconfigured by changing the capacitance of the varactor diode. The radiation efficiency is very low and is about 0.2, due to the insertion losses of the control varactor diodes; the resistance of the applied varactor diode is 5.41 Ohm. Due to temperature dependence, the varactor diodes produce unstable capacitance values, which leads to unstable beam forming and beam scattering.

[0007] A document "Huan-Huan Lv et al. "Fixed-Frequency Beam-Steering Leaky-Wave Antenna With Switchable Beam Number", IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters, Volume: 19, Issue: 12, published on 08 Speptember 2020, https: / ieeexplore.ieee.org / document / 9188025" provides a leaky-wave antenna comprising an impedance modulation surface. For the antenna beam scanning, the impedance of the antenna is changed by varactor diodes. An antenna control circuit is complex and can affect the antenna radiation and the antenna pattern, since it is arranged in the same layer where the antenna pattern is formed. Due to temperature dependence, the varactor diodes produce unstable capacitance values, which leads to unstable beam forming and beam scattering. The varactor diodes have parasitic reactance that requires compensation, therefore, additional matching circuits and SMD components are required, which complicates the antenna structure. SMD components require complex high-precision soldering, which complicates the manufacture of the antenna.

[0008] A document "V.A. Manasson et al. "An optically controlled MMW beam-steering antenna based on a novel architecture", IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, Volume: 45, Issue: 8, published 06.08.2002, https: / ieeexplore.ieee.org / document / 618462" provides an antenna being a compact device with a reconfigurable photo-induced plasma grating (PIPG) in a semiconductor plate as an output aperture. This aperture is fed by a tunnel-coupling dielectric waveguide. The PIPG significantly attenuates the propagated wave. Ability to compose an aperture of reasonable size is very confined. The antenna beam scanning is about ±15 degrees. The parasitic endfire radiation is coused at an edge of semiconductor plate. The antenna has a complex structure.

[0009] A document "Ziwei Li et al. "Metantenna design with one-dimensional holographic concept", International Jornal of RF and Microwave Computer-Aided Engineering, published on 15 January 2021, https: / onlinelibrary.wiley.com / doi / abs / 10.1002 / mmce.22536" provides a leaky wave antenna comprising longitudinally arranged rows of conductive strips. The beam tilt angle depends on the surface impedance, which is defined by the width of the stripes and the size of the cells consisting of two adjacent stripes. The antenna radiates in only one direction and beam scanning cannot be implemented.

[0010] Chinese Patent CN 113098536 B issued on 11 November 2022 and titled as "COMMUNICATION TRANSMISSION SYSTEM BASED ON RECONFIGURABLE HOLOGRAPHIC METASURFACE AND COMMUNICATION OPTIMIZATION METHOD" provides a communication transmitting system based on a reconfigurable holographic metasurface, comprising a wave beam pointing determining module, a digital wave beam forming module, the reconfigurable holographic metasurface and a bias voltage control module. The reconfigurable holographic metasurface comprises cells of two conductive strips connected by a varactor, which changes the impedance of the cell by changing the capacitance of the varactor. An antenna control circuit is complex and can affect the antenna radiation and the antenna pattern, since it is arranged in the same layer where the antenna pattern is formed, which results in unstable beam forming. Due to temperature dependence, the varactor diodes produce unstable capacitance values, which leads to unstable beam forming and beam scattering. The varactor diodes have parasitic reactance that requires compensation, therefore, additional matching circuits and SMD components are required, which complicates the antenna structure. SMD components require complex high-precision soldering, which complicates the manufacture of the antenna.

[0011] An alternative solution is needed that addresses the following problems:

[0012] realizing a control system to provide a control of antenna pattern,

[0013] providing wide-angle antenna beam scanning using only one RF channel,

[0014] high efficiency of the antenna operating at a millimeter wave frequency, and

[0015] simple structure made from readily available materials and components.

[0016] The present application provides controlled pattern leaky wave antennas based on a photoconductive wafer. This solution can be very efficient for millimeter wave range due to the simple control system and the absence of parasitic reactances that require compensation. An alternative solution can be implemented using pin-diodes, which may be more convenient depending on the available component base. The present solution provides:

[0017] the ability to control the antenna pattern,

[0018] providing wide-angle antenna beam scanning using only one RF channel,

[0019] high efficiency of the antenna operating at the millimeter wave frequency, and

[0020] simple structure made from readily available materials and components.

[0021] One aspect of the present invention provides a controlled pattern leaky wave antenna, the antenna configured to operate at a millimeter wave frequency, and the antenna comprising: a printed circuit board comprising at least the following arranged in a specified order from bottom to top: a metal ground layer;a dielectric layer, wherein the dielectric layer is a waveguide structure; rows of metallized strips arranged on an upper surface of the dielectric layer and extending in a propagation direction of a surface electromagnetic wave in the dielectric layer, wherein gaps are formed between the metallized strips in each row, and every two adjacent metallized strips form a cell, and wherein a radio frequency (RF) signal of millimeter wave range propagates in the dielectric layer in the form of the surface electromagnetic wave in a longitudinal direction of the rows of metallized strips; vias formed in at least the dielectric layer and the metal ground layer, wherein the vias are located in at least the gaps between the metallized strips in each cell; a photoconductive layer located on the upper surface of the metallized strips, wherein its outer surface forms a radiation surface of the antenna;light sources configured to emit light from the side of the metal ground layer through vias onto photoconductive layer portions located between the metallized strips in each cell; and an impedance control unit configured to control an antenna pattern by controlling the impedance in the rows of metallized strips by switching on and switching off the light sources, wherein when the light source is switched on, an electrical contact is formed between the metallized strips in the cell of metallized strips as a result of the photoconductivity effect in the photoconductive layer portion onto which light is incident from the light source through the via, in order to change the impedance in the cell of metallized strips depending on the optical power of the light from the light source, and when the light source is switched off, there is no electrical contact between the metallized strips in the cell of metallized strips, and the impedance is not changed in the cell of metallized strips.

[0022] In another aspect, the metallized strips have the same length in the direction of the rows of metallized strips.

[0023] In yet another aspect, the metallized strips have different lengths in the direction of the rows of metallized strips.

[0024] In yet another aspect, the metallized strips have two different length values in the direction of the rows of metallized strips.

[0025] In yet another aspect, the printed circuit board further comprises a metal layer on the upper surface of the dielectric layer, wherein the metallized strips are made of the metal layer.

[0026] In yet another aspect, the metallized strips are applied to the lower surface of the photoconductive layer.

[0027] In yet another aspect, the metallized strips have at least one shape among the shapes of rectangle, trapezoid, oval, semi-oval, arrow, L-shape or T-shape, wherein, in each cell of the metallized strips, the metallized strips in the shape of rectangle, trapezoid, oval, semi-oval, arrow or T-shape are arranged with axial symmetry relative to each other, and the metallized strips in the shape of L-shape are arranged with central symmetry relative to each other, and wherein the size of each metallized strip in the longitudinal direction of the row of metallized strips is greater than the size of each metallized strip in the transverse direction of the row of metallized strips.

[0028] In yet another aspect, the vias are formed in the dielectric layer, the metal ground layer and edges of the metallized strips facing each other in the cells of the metallized strips.

[0029] In yet another aspect, the photoconductive layer is formed in the form of photoconductor sections, wherein the photoconductor sections are arranged above the cells of the metallized strips and overlap the gaps between the metallized strips and the edges of the metallized strips facing each other in the cells of the metallized strips.

[0030] In yet another aspect, the light source is located directly below the via.

[0031] In yet another aspect, the antenna further comprises optical fibers, wherein one ends of the optical fibers are connected to the vias from the side of the metal ground layer, and the light sources are adjacent to the other ends of the optical fibers.

[0032] In yet another aspect, the light source is a light emitting diode or a vertical-cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL).

[0033] In yet another aspect, the rows of metallized strips are divided into impedance change periods, wherein each impedance change period comprises the cells of metallized strips arranged sequentially in at least one row of metallized strips, wherein, in each impedance change period, the cells of metallized strips with switched on light sources are arranged sequentially in each row of metallized strips, and, in each impedance change period, the cells of metallized strips with switched off light sources are arranged sequentially in each row of metallized strips, and wherein, in the rows of metallized strips of each impedance change period, the number of cells of metallized strips with the switched on light sources is the same and the number of cells of metallized strips with the switched off light sources is the same and depends on the required tilt angle of the antenna pattern.

[0034] In yet another aspect, the antenna further comprises at least two groups of rows of additional metallized strips arranged on the upper surface of the dielectric layer and extending in the propagation direction of the surface electromagnetic wave in the dielectric layer, wherein each group of rows of additional metallized strips comprises at least one row of additional metallized strips, wherein gaps are formed in each row between the additional metallized strips, and wherein at least one row of metallized strips is arranged between two groups of rows of additional metallized strips.

[0035] In yet another aspect, the antenna further comprises at least two groups of rows of additional metallized strips arranged on the upper surface of the dielectric layer and extending in the propagation direction of the surface electromagnetic wave in the dielectric layer, wherein each group of rows of additional metallized strips comprises at least one row of additional metallized strips, wherein gaps are formed in each row between the additional metallized strips, and wherein the groups of rows of additional metallized strips and the rows of metallized strips alternate with each other.

[0036] In yet another aspect, the rows of metallized strips form at least one group of rows of metallized strips, wherein the antenna further comprises at least two EBG (elecrtomagnetic bandgap)-structures consisting of at least two rows of EBG elements formed in the printed circuit board and extending in the propagation direction of the surface electromagnetic wave in the dielectric layer, wherein each group of rows of metallized strips is arranged between two EBG-structures.

[0037] In yet another aspect, the rows of metallized strips form groups of rows of metallized strips comprising at least one row of metallized strips, the groups of rows of metallized strips are arranged radially relative to the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board, and wherein the printed circuit board further comprises: a circular metallized section arranged on the dielectric layer, wherein the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board and the geometric center of the surface of the circular metallized section are overlapped with each other, and wherein the photoconductive layer covers the circular metallized section; metallized vias formed in the printed circuit board and comprising a central metallized via and a set of metallized vias, wherein the central metallized via passes through the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board, and the metallized vias of the set of metallized vias are arranged along a circle, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the circular metallized section, and wherein the metallized vias of the set of metallized vias are arranged opposite the edges of the group of rows of metallized strips and the centers of the groups of rows of metallized strips, and wherein a clearance is formed around each metallized via arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips in the circular metallized section, and each metallized via arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips comprises a pad arranged on the dielectric layer in the clearance; vias formed in the dielectric layer and the metal ground layer and arranged in the clearances, wherein one via arranged in each clearance; and light sources configured to emit light from the side of the metal ground layer through the vias arranged in the clearances onto photoconductive layer portions to provide conductivity in the clearances and to form an electrical contact between the metallized vias arranged opposite the centers of the groups of rows of metallized strips and adjacent metallized vias arranged opposite the edges of the groups of rows of metallized strips, wherein the RF signal of the millimeter wave range is fed to the central metallized via exciting an electromagnetic wave with a cylindrical front, and the metallized vias from the set of metallized vias and the circular metallized section form a cylindrical resonator, and wherein, when the light source is switched on, the electrical contact is formed between the metallized via arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips and the metallized vias arranged opposite the edges of the group of rows of metallized strips, which leads to the non-transmission of the electromagnetic wave into the dielectric layer under the corresponding group of rows of metallized strips, and when the light source is switched off, there is no electrical contact between the metallized via arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips and the metallized vias arranged opposite the edges of the group of rows of metallized strips, which leads to the transmission of the electromagnetic wave into the dielectric layer under the corresponding group of rows of metallized strips.

[0038] In yet another aspect, the rows of metallized strips are arranged radially relative to the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board and form a planar pattern for implementing the operation of a holographic antenna, and the RF signal of millimeter wave range is fed to a dielectric layer in the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board.

[0039] Other aspect of the present invention provides a controlled pattern leaky wave antenna, the antenna configured to operate at a millimeter wave frequency, and the antenna comprising: a printed circuit board comprising at least the following arranged in a specified order from bottom to top: a metal ground layer; a dielectric layer, wherein the dielectric layer is a waveguide structure; rows of metallized strips arranged on an upper surface of the dielectric layer and extending in a propagation direction of a surface electromagnetic wave in the dielectric layer, wherein gaps are formed between the metallized strips in each row, and every two adjacent metallized strips form a cell, and wherein a radio frequency (RF) signal of millimeter wave range propagates in the dielectric layer in the form of the surface electromagnetic wave in a longitudinal direction of the rows of metallized strips; pin-diodes connecting the ends of the metallized strips facing each other in each cell of the metallized strips; and an impedance control unit configured to control an antenna pattern by controlling the impedance in the rows of metallized strips by applying a forward voltage to the pin-diodes, wherein if the forward voltage is applied to the pin-diode, then an electrical contact is formed between the metallized strips in the cell of the metallized strips to change the impedance in the cell of the metallized strips, and if the forward voltage is not applied to the pin-diode, then there is no electrical contact between the metallized strips in the cell of the metallized strips and the impedance in the cell of the metallized strips is not changed.

[0040] In another aspect, the metallized strips have the same length in the direction of the rows of metallized strips.

[0041] In yet another aspect, the metallized strips have different lengths in the direction of the rows of metallized strips.

[0042] In yet another aspect, the metallized strips have two different length values in the direction of the rows of metallized strips.

[0043] In yet another aspect, the printed circuit board further comprises a metal layer on the upper surface of the dielectric layer, wherein the metallized strips are made of the metal layer.

[0044] In yet another aspect, the metallized strips have at least one shape among the shapes of rectangle, trapezoid, oval, semi-oval, arrow, L-shape or T-shape, wherein, in each cell of the metallized strips, the metallized strips in the shape of rectangle, trapezoid, oval, semi-oval, arrow or T-shape are arranged with axial symmetry relative to each other, and the metallized strips in the shape of L-shape are arranged with central symmetry relative to each other, and wherein the size of each metallized strip in the longitudinal direction of the row of metallized strips is greater than the size of each metallized strip in the transverse direction of the row of metallized strips.

[0045] In yet another aspect, the rows of metallized strips are divided into impedance change periods, wherein each impedance change period comprises the cells of metallized strips arranged sequentially in at least one row of metallized strips, wherein, in each impedance change period, the cells of metallized strips with switched on pin-diodes are arranged sequentially in each row of metallized strips, and, in each impedance change period, the cells of metallized strips with switched off pin-diodes are arranged sequentially in each row of metallized strips, and wherein, in the rows of metallized strips of each impedance change period, the number of cells of metallized strips with the switched on pin-diodes is the same and the number of cells of metallized strips with the switched off pin-diodes is the same and depends on the required tilt angle of the antenna pattern.

[0046] In yet another aspect, the antenna further comprises at least two groups of rows of additional metallized strips arranged on the upper surface of the dielectric layer and extending in the propagation direction of the surface electromagnetic wave in the dielectric layer, wherein each group of rows of additional metallized strips comprises at least one row of additional metallized strips, wherein gaps are formed in each row between the additional metallized strips, and wherein at least one row of metallized strips is arranged between two groups of rows of additional metallized strips.

[0047] In yet another aspect, the antenna further comprises at least two groups of rows of additional metallized strips arranged on the upper surface of the dielectric layer and extending in the propagation direction of the surface electromagnetic wave in the dielectric layer, wherein each group of rows of additional metallized strips comprises at least one row of additional metallized strips, wherein gaps are formed in each row between the additional metallized strips, and wherein the groups of rows of additional metallized strips and the rows of metallized strips alternate with each other.

[0048] In yet another aspect, the rows of metallized strips form at least one group of rows of metallized strips, wherein the antenna further comprises at least two EBG (elecrtomagnetic bandgap)-structures consisting of at least two rows of EBG elements formed in the printed circuit board and extending in the propagation direction of the surface electromagnetic wave in the dielectric layer, wherein each group of rows of metallized strips is arranged between two EBG-structures.

[0049] In yet another aspect, the rows of metallized strips form groups of rows of metallized strips comprising at least one row of metallized strips, the groups of rows of metallized strips are arranged radially relative to the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board, and wherein the printed circuit board further comprises: a circular metallized section arranged on the dielectric layer, wherein the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board and the geometric center of the surface of the circular metallized section are overlapped with each other; metallized vias formed in the printed circuit board and comprising a central metallized via and a set of metallized vias, wherein the central metallized via passes through the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board, and the metallized vias of the set of metallized vias are arranged along a circle, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the circular metallized section, and wherein the metallized vias of the set of metallized vias are arranged opposite the edges of the group of rows of metallized strips and the centers of the groups of rows of metallized strips, and wherein a clearance is formed around each metallized via arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips in the circular metallized section, and each metallized via arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips comprises a pad arranged on the dielectric layer in the clearance; and the pin-diodes connecting the pads of metallized vias arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips with the circular metallized section to provide conductivity in the clearances and to form the electrical contact between the metallized vias arranged opposite the centers of the groups of rows of metallized strips and metallized vias arranged opposite the edges of the groups of rows of metallized strips, wherein the RF signal of the millimeter wave range is fed to the central metallized via exciting an electromagnetic wave with a cylindrical front, and the metallized vias from the set of metallized vias and the circular metallized section form a cylindrical resonator, and wherein, when the pin-diode is switched on, the electrical contact is formed between the metallized via arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips and the metallized vias arranged opposite the edges of the group of rows of metallized strips, which leads to the non-transmission of the electromagnetic wave into the dielectric layer under the corresponding group of rows of metallized strips, and when the pin-diode is switched off, there is no electrical contact between the metallized via arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips and the metallized vias arranged opposite the edges of the group of rows of metallized strips, which leads to the transmission of the electromagnetic wave into the dielectric layer under the corresponding group of rows of metallized strips.

[0050] In yet another aspect, the rows of metallized strips are arranged radially relative to the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board and form a planar pattern for implementing the operation of a holographic antenna, and the RF signal of millimeter wave range is fed to a dielectric layer in the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board.

[0051] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of operation of the leaky wave antenna.

[0052] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the control of the pattern of the controlled pattern leaky wave antenna according to the present invention.

[0053] Fig. 3 is a graph to explain the radiation efficiency of the leaky wave.

[0054] Fig. 4 is a schematic side view and top view of an embodiment of the controlled pattern leaky wave antenna.

[0055] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of metallized strips.

[0056] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of metallized strips.

[0057] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of metallized strips.

[0058] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of embodiments of metallized strips having different shapes.

[0059] Fig. 9 is a schematic side view and top view of an embodiment of the photoconductive layer of the controlled pattern leaky wave antenna.

[0060] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of supplying light from the light sources to the photoconductive layer.

[0061] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of switching on the light sources or pin-diodes to form the required tilt angle of the antenna pattern.

[0062] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the controlled pattern leaky wave antenna comprising additional metallized strips.

[0063] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the controlled pattern leaky wave antenna comprising additional metallized strips.

[0064] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the controlled pattern leaky wave antenna comprising additional metallized strips.

[0065] Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the controlled pattern leaky wave antenna comprising EBG-structures.

[0066] Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the controlled pattern leaky wave antenna.

[0067] Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the controlled pattern leaky wave antenna.

[0068] Fig. 18 is a schematic side view and top view of yet another embodiment of the controlled pattern leaky wave antenna.

[0069] Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the controlled pattern leaky wave antenna.

[0070] Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the controlled pattern leaky wave antenna.

[0071] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided in order to facilitate a complete understanding of various embodiments of the present invention, defined by the claims, and its equivalents. The description includes various specific details to facilitate such understanding, but these details should be considered only as exemplary. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described in this application can be developed without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and structures may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0072] The terms and formulations used in the following description and claims are not limited to bibliographic meanings, but are merely used by the inventors of the present invention in order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustration only.

[0073] It should be understood that elements in the singular form includes a plurality of elements unless otherwise is clearly specified by the context.

[0074] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "upper surface", "lower surface" etc. may be used here in relation to elements of the present disclosure, such elements should not be construed as being limited by these terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one element from other elements.

[0075] Additionally, it should be understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and / or "including", when used in this application, mean the presence of the stated features, values, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, values, operations, elements, components, and / or their groups.

[0076] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a "module" or "unit" may perform at least one function or operation and may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. "Multiple modules" or "multiple blocks" may be implemented with at least one processor by integrating it with at least one module other than a "module" or "block" to be implemented with special-purpose hardware.

[0077] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates the operating principle of the leaky wave antenna 100. The leaky wave antenna 100 is formed in a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is a multilayer ultra-high frequency printed circuit board. The printed circuit board illustrated on fig. 1 comprises, in order from bottom to top: a metal ground layer 101, a dielectric layer 102, and rows of metallized strips 103.

[0078] A surface electromagnetic wave propagates in the dielectric layer 102 in the direction along the rows of metallized strips 103. The dimensions, such as length and width (area), of the metallized strips 103 define a surface impedance of the antenna. The rows of metallized strips 103 consist of segments of metallized strips 103 with the possibility of changing the impedance of the segments of metallized strips 103. The change in the impedance of the segments of metallized strips 103 modulates a propagation constant of the surface electromagnetic wave in the direction. A periodic change in the impedance allows to provide conditions for the generation of a electromagnetic leaky wave radiated into free space, where the impedance change period determines a tilt angle of the antenna pattern, and the radiation efficiency is determined by the range of changes in impedance values in the period.

[0079] Referring to figs. 2 and 11, the control of the radiation pattern of the controlled pattern leaky wave antenna 100 according to the present invention is described.

[0080] The present controlled pattern leaky wave antenna 100 is a dielectric waveguide consisting of a dielectric layer 102 on a metal base, which is a metal ground layer 101, and several rows of metal sections (rows of metallized strips 103) arranged on top of the dielectric layer 102 and oriented along the propagation of the surface electromagnetic wave. The stripe pattern forms the modulated impedance structure required for antenna radiation.

[0081] It is known that the electromagnetic wave propagating in the dielectric waveguide is not radiated when the surface impedance is constant in its propagation direction. However, if the surface impedance changes, it is possible to satisfy the conditions for the generation of the leaky wave and its radiation into free space, if the following condition is satisfied > 0; < , where is a component of a vector of wave number in direction passing along the dielectric waveguide, and is a component of a vector of wave number in direction which is normal to the radiation surface of the dielectric waveguide.

[0082] Since a main mode of the dielectric waveguide is slow and it is not a radiated electromagnetic leaky wave, the radiated leaky wave is generated by the periodic structure having variable impedance. The structure having variable impedance is provided by cells of metallized strips 103 each containing two metallized strips 103. The metallized strips 103 are divided in the cell by a gap in which a via 104 is arranged. A photoconductive layer 105 is located on top of the metallized areas 103, onto which light from a light source 106 can be incident through the via 104, when the light source is switched on. When the light source 106 is switched on, an electrical contact is formed between the metallized strips 103. Switching on some of the light sources 106, but not all at once, provides the structure having variable impedance. In another embodiment of the antenna 200 illustrated on fig. 18, instead of the vias 104, photoconductive layer 105 and light sources 106, electrical contact between the metallized strips 203 is provided in the cells by pin-diodes 206 connecting the metallized strips 203 in the cells. Switching on some of the pin-diodes 206, but not all at once, provides the structure having variable impedance.

[0083] Fig. 11 illustrates an example of switching on light sources 106 or pin-diodes 206 to generate antenna wave radiated at required tilt angle of the antenna pattern. The orders of switching on the light sources 106 or pin-diodes 206 are not limited to the orders illustrated ion fig. 11, the controlled pattern leaky wave antenna 100, 200 is configured to control the antenna pattern in the range of + / - 60° relative to the normal to the radiation surface of the antenna in at least one plane.

[0084] In the antenna 100, 200, the rows of metallized strips 103, 203 are divided into impedance change periods A. Each impedance change period A comprises cells of metallized strips 103, 203 arranged sequentially in at least one row of metallized strips 103, 203. In each impedance change period A, the cells of the metallized strips 103, 203 with the switched on light sources 106 or pin-diodes 206 are arranged sequentially in each row of the metallized strips 103, 203. In each impedance change period A, the cells of the metallized strips 103, 203 with the switched off light sources 106 or pin-diodes 206 are arranged sequentially in each row of the metallized strips 103, 203. In the rows of metallized strips 103, 203 of each impedance change period A, the number of cells of metallized strips 103, 203 with the switched on light sources 106 or pin-diodes 206 is the same and the number of cells of metallized strips 103, 203 with the switched off light sources 106 or pin-diodes 206 is the same and depends on the required tilt angle of the antenna patern.

[0085] The tilt angle of the antenna pattern for the first high mode -1 of the electromagnetic wave radiated by the periodic structure is calculated according to the formula:

[0086] (1),

[0087] and the condition under which the wave radiated by the antenna is generated is determined according to the formula:

[0088] (2),

[0089] where A is the impedance change period, in particular, its length.

[0090] is the nearest high TM mode of the electromagnetic wave radiated by the periodic structure, at which >0, is =-1, however can be = 0;±1;±2.....

[0091] isthe propagation constant of the main mode wave ( )

[0092] is the tilt angle of the antenna pattern for the first high mode of the electromagnetic wave radiated by the periodic structure, =-1. An example of formula (1) is given for mode -1, but it is obvious that formula (1) can be applied to calculate the tilt angle of the antenna patern for any mode.

[0093] The radiation efficiency of the leaky wave is described with reference to fig. 3, depends on the surface impedance and is determined according to the formula:

[0094] (3),

[0095] where is the amplitude of the change in surface impedance,

[0096] is a normal surface impedance,

[0097] is the surface impedance of the dielectric waveguide,

[0098] is the impedance of free space, 377 Ohm.

[0099] The propagation constant of the main mode wave depends on the thickness of the dielectric layer 102, 202 and the permittivity value of the dielectric layer 102, 202. If the condition defined by the formula (2) is satisfied, thatx-component of of wave number is a real value determined according to the formula:

[0100] (4).

[0101] When modeling high-frequency structures (for example, using the HFSS software package), using the eigenmode analysis module, the propagation constant of the main mode wave on required frequency is determined in the antenna configuration under study. The size of cell of the metallized strips 103, 203 is determined by the pattern of the metallized strips 103, 203 according to the formula:

[0102] ; (5),

[0103] wher is a number of the metallized strips 103, 203 in the impedance change period A. The length of the impedance change period A depends on many factors such as the maximum tilt angle max of the antenna pattern, the permittivity and others. In the present invention, the impedance change period A is taken to be and the size of cell of the metallized strips 103, 203 is determined according to the formula:

[0104] , (6).

[0105] The impedance change period A can be varied to obtain the required propagation constant of the main mode wave. Than, a phase shift and the normal surface impedance can be determined according to the formulas (7) and (8), respectively:

[0106] (7),

[0107] (8).

[0108] Thus, the required surface impedance value of the dielectric waveguide can be finally calculated according to formula (3).

[0109] Referring to fig. 4, the embodiment of the controlled pattern leaky wave antenna 100 according to the present invention is described. Fig. 4 schematically illustrate a side view and a top view of the controlled pattern leaky wave antenna 200 according to the embodiment. The controlled pattern leaky wave antenna 100 is configured to operate at the millimeter wave frequency.

[0110] The controlled pattern leaky wave antenna 100 comprises the printed circuit board, the rows of metallized strips 103, the vias 104, the photoconductive layer 105, the light sources 106 and the impedance control unit (not shown in fig. 4). In the top view of the antenna 100 in fig. 4, the metal ground layer 101, the photoconductive layer 105 and the light sources 106 are not shown in order to more clearly depict the arrangement of the rows of metallized strips 103 and the vias 104.

[0111] The printed circuit board is the ultra-high frequency printed circuit board. The printed circuit board comprises at least the following arranged in a specified order from bottom to top: the metal ground layer 101; the dielectric layer 102. The dielectric layer 102 is a waveguide structure. All parameters of the ultra-high frequency printed circuit board, such as the number, thickness and materials of the metal and dielectric layers, are selected and optimized based on the frequency range used and the required components of the antenna 100. The material of the dielectric layers can be, for example, FR4, Rogers 4003 and others. The material of the metal layers can be, for example, copper, silver, gold and others. However, the materials of the dielectric and metal layers are not limited to the above materials.

[0112] The rows of metallized strips 103 are arranged on the upper surface of the dielectric layer 102 and extend in the propagation direction of the surface electromagnetic wave in the dielectric layer 102. In each row, the gaps are formed between the metallized strips 103. Every two adjacent metallized strips 103 form the cell. The cell of metallized strips 103 is shown by a dotted line in fig. 4. The RF signal of millimeter wave range is supplied to the side of dielectric layer 102 which is perpendicular to the extension direction of the rows of metallized strips 103. The RF signal of the millimeter wave range propagates in the dielectric layer 102 in the form of the surface electromagnetic wave in the longitudinal direction of the rows of metallized strips 103, i.e. in the extension direction of the rows of metallized strips 103. The material of the metallized strips 103 can be, for example, copper, silver, gold, and others. However, the materials of the metallized strips 103 are not limited to the above materials.

[0113] The vias 104 are formed in at least the dielectric layer 102 and the metal ground layer 101, wherein the vias 104 are located in at least the gaps between the metallized strips 103 in each cell; The vias 104 provide passage of light from the light sources 106 to photoconductive layer 105.

[0114] The photoconductive layer 105 is located on the upper surface of the metallized strips 103. The outer surface of the photoconductive layer 105 forms the radiation surface of the antenna. A photoconductive effect occurs in the portion of the photoconductive layer 105, onto which light is incident from the light source 106 through the via 104. The photoconductive layer 105 can be made of any material that exhibits the photoconductive effect.

[0115] The light sources 106 are configured to emit light from the side of the metal ground layer 101 through the vias 104 onto the portions of the photoconductive layer 105 located between the metallized strips 103 in each cell. The light source 106 can be a light emitting diode or a vertical-cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). However, the light sources 106 are not limited to the above mentioned.

[0116] The impedance control unit (not shown in fig. 4) is configured to control the pattern of the antenna 100 by controlling the impedance in the rows of metallized strips 103 by switching on and switching off the light sources 106. When the light source 106 is switched on, an electrical contact is formed between the metallized strips 103 in the cell of metallized strips 103 as a result of the photoconductivity effect in the portion of the photoconductive layer 105 onto which light is incident from the light source through the via 104, in order to change the impedance in the cell of metallized strips 103 depending on the optical power of the light from the light source 106. When the electrical contact is formed between the metallized strips 103, single metallized strip 103 is formed in the cell, the length of which is the sum of the lengths of the metallized strips 103 in the cell and the length of the gap between the metallized strips 103 in the cell. When the light source 106 is switched off, there is no electrical contact between the metallized strips 103 in the cell of metallized strips 103, and the impedance is not changed in the cell of metallized strips 103. The impedance control unit can activate only a part of the rows of metallized strips 103 to reduce the power consumption of the antenna 100, which will also lead to a change, for example, an expansion, of the pattern of the antenna 100 in the transverse direction of the arrangement of the rows of metallized strips 103.

[0117] Due to its structure, the antenna 100 is efficient for the millimeter wave range due to the simple pattern control system and the absence of parasitic reactances that require compensation. The antenna 100 provides the ability to control the antenna pattern in the range of + / - 60° relative to the normal to the antenna radiation surface. The antenna 100 provides wide-angle antenna beam scanning using only one RF channel. The antenna 100 has a simple structure from readily available materials and components, such as the ultra-high frequency printed circuit board, the photoconductive layer 105, the light sources 106, such as light emitting diodes or vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). The manufacture of antenna 100 can be carried out using simple and well-known technological processes.

[0118] Referring to fig. 18, the embodiment of the controlled pattern leaky wave antenna 200 according to the present invention is described. Fig. 18 schematically illustrate a side view and a top view of the controlled pattern leaky wave antenna 200 according to the embodiment. The controlled pattern leaky wave antenna 200 is configured to operate at the millimeter wave frequency.

[0119] The controlled pattern leaky wave antenna 200 comprises the printed circuit board, the rows of metallized strips 203, the pin-diodes 206 and the impedance control unit (not shown in fig. 18). In the top view of the antenna 200 in fig. 18, the metal ground layer 201 is not shown in order to more clearly depict the arrangement of the rows of metallized strips 203 and the pin-diodes 206.

[0120] The printed circuit board is the ultra-high frequency printed circuit board. The printed circuit board comprises at least the following arranged in a specified order from bottom to top: the metal ground layer 201; the dielectric layer 202. The dielectric layer 202 is a waveguide structure. All parameters of the ultra-high frequency printed circuit board, such as the number, thickness and materials of the metal and dielectric layers, are selected and optimized based on the frequency range used and the required components of the antenna 200. The material of the dielectric layers can be, for example, FR4, Rogers 4003 and others. The material of the metal layers can be, for example, copper, silver, gold and others. However, the materials of the dielectric and metal layers are not limited to the above materials.

[0121] The rows of metallized strips 203 are arranged on the upper surface of the dielectric layer 202 and extend in the propagation direction of the surface electromagnetic wave in the dielectric layer 202. In each row, the gaps are formed between the metallized strips 203. Every two adjacent metallized strips 203 form the cell. The cell of metallized strips 203 is shown by a dotted line in fig. 18. The RF signal of millimeter wave range is supplied to the side of dielectric layer 202 which is perpendicular to the extension direction of the rows of metallized strips 203. The RF signal of the millimeter wave range propagates in the dielectric layer 202 in the form of the surface electromagnetic wave in the longitudinal direction of the rows of metallized strips 203, i.e. in the extension direction of the rows of metallized strips 203. The material of the metallized strips 203 can be, for example, copper, silver, gold, and others. However, the materials of the metallized strips 203 are not limited to the above materials.

[0122] The pin-diodes connect the ends of the metallized strips 203 facing each other in each cell of the metallized strips 203.

[0123] The impedance control unit (not shown in fig. 18) is configured to control the pattern of the antenna 200 by controlling the impedance in the rows of metallized strips 203 by applying a forward voltage to the pin-diodes 206. When the forward voltage is applied to the pin-diode 206, the electrical contact is formed between the metallized strips 203 in the cell of the metallized strips 203 to change the impedance in the cell of the metallized strips 203. When the electrical contact is formed between the metallized strips 203, single metallized strip 203 is formed in the cell, the length of which is the sum of the lengths of the metallized strips 203 in the cell and the length of the gap between the metallized strips 203 in the cell. When the forward voltage is not applied to the pin-diode, there is no electrical contact between the metallized strips 203 in the cell of metallized strips 203, and the impedance is not changed in the cell of metallized strips 203. The impedance control unit can activate only a part of the rows of metallized strips 203 to change, for example, expand the pattern of the antenna 200 in the transverse direction of the arrangement of the rows of metallized strips 203 to reduce the power consumption of the antenna 200.

[0124] Due to its structure, the antenna 100 is efficient for the millimeter wave range due to the simple pattern control system and the absence of parasitic reactances that require compensation. The antenna 200 provides the ability to control the antenna pattern in the range of + / - 60° relative to the normal to the antenna radiation surface. he antenna 200 provides wide-angle antenna beam scanning using only one RF channel. The antenna 100 has a simple structure from readily available materials and components, such as the ultra-high frequency printed circuit board, the pin-diodes 206. The manufacture of antenna 200 can be carried out using simple and well-known technological processes.

[0125] Fig. 5 illustrates the embodiment of the antenna 100, 200 comprising metallized strips 103, 203 having the same length in the direction of the rows of metallized strips 103, 203. To simplify the understanding of this embodiment, only the dielectric layer 102, 202 and the rows of metallized strips 103, 203 are shown in fig. 5. The metallized strips 103, 203 having the same length in the direction of the rows of metallized strips 103, 203 provide the change in the surface impedance in the form of a meander, as shown in fig. 3.

[0126] Fig. 6 illustrates the embodiment of the antenna 100, 200 comprising metallized strips 103, 203 having different lengths in the direction of the rows of metallized strips 103, 203. To simplify the understanding of this embodiment, only the dielectric layer 102, 202 and the rows of metallized strips 103, 203 are shown in fig. 6. The metallized strips 103, 203 having different lengths in the direction of the rows of metallized strips 103, 203 provide the change in the surface impedance in the form of a sinusoid, as shown in fig. 3.

[0127] Fig. 7 illustrates the embodiment of the antenna 100, 200 comprising metallized strips 103, 203 having two different length values *?*in the direction of the rows of metallized strips 103, 203. To simplify the understanding of this embodiment, only the dielectric layer 102, 202 and the rows of metallized strips 103, 203 are shown in fig. 6. The metallized strips 103, 203 having two different length values in the direction of the rows of metallized strips 103, 203 provide the change in the surface impedance in the form of the meander, as shown in fig. 3.

[0128] The antenna 100, 200 may comprise the printed circuit board that further comprises a metal layer on the upper surface of the dielectric layer 102, 202. In such embodiment, the metallized strips 103, 203 are formed in the metal layer.

[0129] In another embodiment of antenna 100, metallized portions 103 may be applied to the lower surface of photoconductive layer 105. The embodiments of the metallized strips 103, 203 in the metal layer and the metallized strips 103 on the photoconductive layer 105 can provide the selection of a more suitable technological process for manufacturing the antenna.

[0130] On the left side of fig. 8, variants of metallized strips 103, 203 are depicted for antenna 100, 200. The metallized strips 103, 203 can have at least one shape among the shapes of rectangle, trapezoid, oval, semi-oval, arrow, L-shape or T-shape. Fig. 8 illustrates cells of metallized strips 103, 203, in each cell of metallized strips 103, 203 the metallized strips 103, 203 have the same shape. In each cell of the metallized strips 103, 203, the metallized strips 103, 203 in the shape of rectangle, trapezoid, oval, semi-oval, arrow or T-shape are arranged with axial symmetry relative to each other, and the metallized strips 103, 203 in the shape of L-shape are arranged with central symmetry relative to each other. The size of each metallized strip in the longitudinal direction of the row of metallized strips 103, 203 is greater than the size of each metallized strip 103, 203 in the transverse direction of the row of metallized strips 103, 203.

[0131] On the right side of fig. 8, variants of metallized strips 103 are depicted for antenna 100. The metallized strips 103 can have at least one shape among the shapes of rectangle, trapezoid, oval, semi-oval, arrow, L-shape or T-shape. The shape, arrangement and orientation of the metallized strips 103 are described above with reference to fig. 8. The vias 104 are formed in the dielectric layer 102, the metal ground layer 101 and edges of the metallized strips 103 facing each other in the cells of the metallized strips 103. To simplify the understanding of this embodiment, on the right side of fig. 8, only metallized strips 103 of different shapes with cutouts from the vias 104 are depicted. This embodiment allows to form the vias 104, which provide a larger area of illumination of the photoconductive layer 105, and, consequently, a larger area of electrical contact between the metallized strips 103 in the cells of the metallized strips 103 with the same supplied optical power.

[0132] Fig. 9 illustrates the embodiment of antenna 100, in which the photoconductive layer 105 is formed in the form of photoconductor sections. The photoconductor sections are arranged above the cells of the metallized strips 103 and overlap the gaps between the metallized strips 103 and the edges of the metallized strips 103 facing each other in the cells of the metallized strips 103. In the top view of the antenna 100 in fig. 9, the metal ground layer 101, the vias 104 and the light sources 106 are not shown in order to more clearly depict the arrangement of the rows of metallized strips 103 and the photoconductor sections of the photoconductive layer 105. Fig. 9 illustrates the photoconductor sections having a circular shape, however, the photoconductor sections can have any shape, for example, rectangular, square. The photoconductor sections are not limited to the above shapes. This embodiment allows to reduce the amount of used photoconductive material.

[0133] The light sources 106 may be arranged directly below the vias 104 as shown in fig. 4. The arrangement of light sources 106 directly below the vias 104 provided a smaller antenna thickness (dimension from bottom to top).

[0134] Fig. 10 illustrates the embodiment of antenna 100. The antenna 100 may further comprise optical fibers 107. One ends of the optical fibers 107 are connected to the vias 104 from the side of the metal ground layer 101, and the light sources 106 are adjacent to the other ends of the optical fibers 107. Such structure of antenna 100 may allow to locate the impedance control unit at a greater distance from the radiation surface of antenna 100 for the convenience of implementing the entire antenna module and reducing the influence of possible electromagnetic radiation of the impedance control unit on the generation of antenna radiation.

[0135] Fig. 12 illustrates the embodiment of antenna 100, 200 that further comprises at least two groups of rows of additional metallized strips 108, 208 arranged on the upper surface of the dielectric layer 102, 202 and extending in the propagation direction of the surface electromagnetic wave in the dielectric layer 102, 202. Each group of rows of additional metallized strips 108, 208 comprises at least one row of additional metallized strips 108, 208. In each row, the gaps are formed between the additional metallized strips 108, 208. At least one row of metallized strips 103 is arranged between two groups of rows of additional metallized strips 108, 208.

[0136] Figs. 13 and 14 illustrate the embodiment of antenna 100, 200 that further comprises at least two groups of rows of additional metallized strips 108, 208 arranged on the upper surface of the dielectric layer 102, 202 and extending in the propagation direction of the surface electromagnetic wave in the dielectric layer 102, 202. Each group of rows of additional metallized strips 108, 208 comprises at least one row of additional metallized strips 108, 208. In each row, the gaps are formed between the additional metallized strips 108, 208. The groups of rows of additional metallized strips 108, 208 and the rows of metallized strips 103, 203 alternate with each other. Figs. 12, 13 and 14 illustrate the additional metallized strips 108, 208 having rectangular shape. However, the additional metallized strips 108, 208 are not limited to the rectangular shape and may have any shape. The structures of antenna 100, 200 with additional metallized strips 108, 208 provide the ability to control the formation of the antenna pattern in the transverse direction of the arrangement of the rows of metallized strips 103, 203, the ability to control the surface impedance in the transverse direction of the arrangement of the rows of metallized strips 103, 203 to prevent the propagation of parasitic surface waves, and to increase the efficiency and to increase the gain of the antenna.

[0137] Fig. 15 illustrates the embodiment of antenna 100, 200, in which the rows of metallized strips 103, 203 form at least one group of rows of metallized strips 103, 208. The antenna 100, 200 further comprises at least two EBG (elecrtomagnetic bandgap)-structures consisting of at least two rows of EBG elements 109, 209 formed in the printed circuit board. The EBG-structures extend in the propagation direction of the surface electromagnetic wave in the dielectric layer 102, 202. Each group of rows of metallized strips 103, 203 is arranged between two EBG-structures. Fig. 15 illustrates the EBG elements 109, 209 having a circular shape. However, the EBG elements 109, 209 are not limited to the circular shape and may have any shape. The structure of antenna 100, 200 with the EBG structures provides blocking of the propagation of parasitic surface waves, and increasing the efficiency and increasing the gain of the antenna.

[0138] Fig. 16 illustrates the embodiment of antenna 100, in which the rows of metallized strips 103 form groups of rows of metallized strips 103 comprising at least one row of metallized strips 103. The groups of rows of metallized strips 103 are arranged radially relative to the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board.

[0139] The printed circuit board further comprises a circular metallized section 110 arranged on the dielectric layer 102. The geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board and the geometric center of the surface of the circular metallized section 110 are overlapped. The photoconductive layer 105 covers the circular metallized section 110. The photoconductive layer 105 is not shown in fig. 16 in order to more clearly show the arrangement of the elements of the antenna 200.

[0140] The antenna 100 further comprises metallized vias 111 formed in the printed circuit board and comprising a central metallized via 111 and a set of metallized vias 111. The central metallized via 111 passes through the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board. The metallized vias 111 of the set of metallized vias 111 are arranged along a circle, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the circular metallized section 110. The metallized vias 111 of the set of metallized vias 111 are arranged opposite the edges of the group of rows of metallized strips 103 and the centers of the groups of rows of metallized strips 103. A clearance 112 is formed around each metallized via 111 arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips 103 in the circular metallized section 110. The shape of the clearance 112 is not limited to the rectangle shown in fig. 16, and can be any, for example, a circle, a square, etc. Each metallized via 111 arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips 103 comprises a pad 113 arranged on the dielectric layer 102 in the clearance 112. The shape of the pad 113 is not limited to the square shown in fig. 16 and can be any, for example, a circle, a rectangle, etc.

[0141] The antenna 100 further comprises vias 104 formed in the dielectric layer 102 and the metal ground layer 101 and arranged in the clearances 112. One via 104 is arranged in each clearance 112.

[0142] The antenna 100 further comprises the light sources 106 configured to emit light from the side of the metal ground layer 101 through the vias 104 arranged in the clearances 112 onto photoconductive layer portions to provide conductivity in the clearances 112 and to form an electrical contact between the metallized vias 111 arranged opposite the centers of the groups of rows of metallized strips 103 and adjacent metallized vias 111 arranged opposite the edges of the groups of rows of metallized strips 103.

[0143] The RF signal of the millimeter wave range is fed to the central metallized via 111 exciting an electromagnetic wave with a cylindrical front. The metallized vias 111 from the set of metallized vias 111 and the circular metallized section 110 form a cylindrical resonator. When the light source 106 is switched on, the electrical contact is formed between the metallized via 111 arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips 103 and the metallized vias 111 arranged opposite the edges of the group of rows of metallized strips 103, which leads to the non-transmission of the electromagnetic wave into the dielectric layer 102 under the corresponding group of rows of metallized strips 103. When the light source is switched off, there is no electrical contact between the metallized via 111 arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips 103 and the metallized vias 111 arranged opposite the edges of the group of rows of metallized strips 103, which leads to the transmission of the electromagnetic wave into the dielectric layer 102 under the corresponding group of rows of metallized strips 103.

[0144] Such structure of antenna 100 provides the ability to control the antenna pattern in the range of + / - 60° relative to the normal to the antenna radiation surface and in the range of 360° relative to the antenna radiation surface.

[0145] Fig. 17 illustrates the embodiment of antenna 100, in which the rows of metallized strips 103 are arranged radially relative to the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board and form a planar pattern for implementing the operation of a holographic antenna. The RF signal of millimeter wave range is fed to a dielectric layer 102 in the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board.

[0146] Such structure of antenna 100 provides the ability to control the antenna pattern in the range of + / - 60° relative to the normal to the antenna radiation surface and in the range of 360° relative to the antenna radiation surface.

[0147] Fig. 19 illustrates the embodiment of antenna 200, in which the rows of metallized strips 203 form groups of rows of metallized strips 203 comprising at least one row of metallized strips 203. The groups of rows of metallized strips 203 are arranged radially relative to the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board.

[0148] The printed circuit board further comprises a circular metallized section 210 arranged on the dielectric layer 202. The geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board and the geometric center of the surface of the circular metallized section 210 are overlapped.

[0149] The antenna 200 further comprises metallized vias 211 formed in the printed circuit board and comprising a central metallized via 211 and a set of metallized vias 211. The central metallized via 211 passes through the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board. The metallized vias 211 of the set of metallized vias 211 are arranged along a circle, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the circular metallized section 210. The metallized vias 211 of the set of metallized vias 211 are arranged opposite the edges of the group of rows of metallized strips 203 and the centers of the groups of rows of metallized strips 203. A clearance 212 is formed around each metallized via 211 arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips 203 in the circular metallized section 210. The shape of the clearance 212 is not limited to the rectangle shown in fig. 19, and can be any, for example, a circle, a square, etc. Each metallized via 211 arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips 203 comprises a pad 213 arranged on the dielectric layer 202 in the clearance 212. The shape of the pad 213 is not limited to the square shown in fig. 19 and can be any, for example, a circle, a rectangle, etc.

[0150] The antenna 200 further comprises the pin-diodes connecting the pads 213 of metallized vias 211 arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips 203 with the circular metallized section 210 to provide conductivity in the clearances 212 and to form the electrical contact between the metallized vias 211 arranged opposite the centers of the groups of rows of metallized strips 203 and metallized vias 211 arranged opposite the edges of the groups of rows of metallized strips 203.

[0151] The RF signal of the millimeter wave range is fed to the central metallized via 211 exciting an electromagnetic wave with a cylindrical front. The metallized vias 211 from the set of metallized vias 211 and the circular metallized section 210 form a cylindrical resonator. When the pin-diode is switched on, the electrical contact is formed between the metallized via 211 arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips 203 and the metallized vias 211 arranged opposite the edges of the group of rows of metallized strips 203, which leads to the non-transmission of the electromagnetic wave into the dielectric layer 202 under the corresponding group of rows of metallized strips 203. When the pin-diode is switched off, there is no electrical contact between the metallized via 211 arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips 203 and the metallized vias 211 arranged opposite the edges of the group of rows of metallized strips 203, which leads to the transmission of the electromagnetic wave into the dielectric layer 202 under the corresponding group of rows of metallized strips 203.

[0152] Such structure of antenna 200 provides the ability to control the antenna pattern in the range of + / - 60° relative to the normal to the antenna radiation surface and in the range of 360° relative to the antenna radiation surface.

[0153] Fig. 20 illustrates the embodiment of antenna 200, in which the rows of metallized strips 203 are arranged radially relative to the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board and form a planar pattern for implementing the operation of a holographic antenna. The RF signal of millimeter wave range is fed to a dielectric layer 202 in the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board.

[0154] Such structure of antenna 200 provides the ability to control the antenna pattern in the range of + / - 60° relative to the normal to the antenna radiation surface and in the range of 360° relative to the antenna radiation surface.

[0155] The above descriptions of the embodiments are illustrative, and configuration modifications and implementations are within the scope of the present description. For example, although the embodiments of the invention have been described in general in connection with Figs. 1-20 the descriptions given are exemplary. Although the subject matter is described in a language characteristic of structural features or methodological operations, it is clear that the subject matter is not necessarily limited by the specific features or operations described above. Moreover, the specific features and operations described above are disclosed as exemplary embodiments of the claims.

[0156] Accordingly, it is assumed that the scope of the embodiments of the invention is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1.A controlled pattern leaky wave antenna, the antenna configured to operate at a millimeter wave frequency, and the antenna comprising:a printed circuit board comprising at least the following arranged in a specified order from bottom to top:a metal ground layer;a dielectric layer, wherein the dielectric layer is a waveguide structure;rows of metallized strips arranged on an upper surface of the dielectric layer and extending in a propagation direction of a surface electromagnetic wave in the dielectric layer,wherein gaps are formed between the metallized strips in each row, and every two adjacent metallized strips form a cell,and wherein a radio frequency (RF) signal of millimeter wave range propagates in the dielectric layer in the form of the surface electromagnetic wave in a longitudinal direction of the rows of metallized strips;vias formed in at least the dielectric layer and the metal ground layer, wherein the vias are located in at least the gaps between the metallized strips in each cell;a photoconductive layer located on the upper surface of the metallized strips,wherein its outer surface forms a radiation surface of the antenna;light sources configured to emit light from the side of the metal ground layer through vias onto photoconductive layer portions located between the metallized strips in each cell; andan impedance control unit configured to control an antenna pattern by controlling the impedance in the rows of metallized strips by switching on and switching off the light sources,wherein when the light source is switched on, an electrical contact is formed between the metallized strips in the cell of metallized strips as a result of the photoconductivity effect in the photoconductive layer portion onto which light is incident from the light source through the via, in order to change the impedance in the cell of metallized strips depending on the optical power of the light from the light source, and when the light source is switched off, there is no electrical contact between the metallized strips in the cell of metallized strips, and the impedance is not changed in the cell of metallized strips.2.The antenna according to claim 1,wherein the printed circuit board further comprises a metal layer on the upper surface of the dielectric layer,wherein the metallized strips are made of the metal layer,and wherein the vias are formed in the dielectric layer, the metal ground layer and edges of the metallized strips facing each other in the cells of the metallized strips.3.The antenna according to claim 1,wherein the metallized strips are applied to the lower surface of the photoconductive layer.4.The antenna according to claim 1,wherein the metallized strips have at least one shape among the shapes of rectangle, trapezoid, oval, semi-oval, arrow, L-shape or T-shape,wherein, in each cell of the metallized strips, the metallized strips in the shape of rectangle, trapezoid, oval, semi-oval, arrow or T-shape are arranged with axial symmetry relative to each other, and the metallized strips in the shape of L-shape are arranged with central symmetry relative to each other,wherein the size of each metallized strip in the longitudinal direction of the row of metallized strips is greater than the size of each metallized strip in the transverse direction of the row of metallized strips,and wherein the vias are formed in the dielectric layer, the metal ground layer and edges of the metallized strips facing each other in the cells of the metallized strips.5.The antenna according to claim 1,wherein the photoconductive layer is formed in the form of photoconductor sections,wherein the photoconductor sections are arranged above the cells of the metallized strips and overlap the gaps between the metallized strips and the edges of the metallized strips facing each other in the cells of the metallized strips.6.The antenna according to claim 1,wherein the light source is located directly below the via.7.The antenna according to claim 1,further comprising optical fibers,wherein one ends of the optical fibers are connected to the vias from the side of the metal ground layer, and the light sources are adjacent to the other ends of the optical fibers.8.The antenna according to claim 1,wherein the light source is a light emitting diode or a vertical-cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL).9.The antenna according to claim 1,wherein the rows of metallized strips are divided into impedance change periods,wherein each impedance change period comprises the cells of metallized strips arranged sequentially in at least one row of metallized strips,wherein, in each impedance change period, the cells of metallized strips with switched on light sources are arranged sequentially in each row of metallized strips, and, in each impedance change period, the cells of metallized strips with switched off light sources are arranged sequentially in each row of metallized strips,and wherein, in the rows of metallized strips of each impedance change period, the number of cells of metallized strips with the switched on light sources is the same and the number of cells of metallized strips with the switched off light sources is the same and depends on the required tilt angle of the antenna pattern.10.The antenna according to claim 1,further comprising at least two groups of rows of additional metallized strips arranged on the upper surface of the dielectric layer and extending in the propagation direction of the surface electromagnetic wave in the dielectric layer,wherein each group of rows of additional metallized strips comprises at least one row of additional metallized strips,wherein gaps are formed in each row between the additional metallized strips,and wherein at least one row of metallized strips is arranged between two groups of rows of additional metallized strips.11.The antenna according to claim 1,further comprising at least two groups of rows of additional metallized strips arranged on the upper surface of the dielectric layer and extending in the propagation direction of the surface electromagnetic wave in the dielectric layer,wherein each group of rows of additional metallized strips comprises at least one row of additional metallized strips,wherein gaps are formed in each row between the additional metallized strips,and wherein the groups of rows of additional metallized strips and the rows of metallized strips alternate with each other.12.The antenna according to claim 1,wherein the rows of metallized strips form at least one group of rows of metallized strips,wherein the antenna further comprises at least two EBG (elecrtomagnetic bandgap)-structures consisting of at least two rows of EBG elements formed in the printed circuit board and extending in the propagation direction of the surface electromagnetic wave in the dielectric layer,wherein each group of rows of metallized strips is arranged between two EBG-structures.13.The antenna according to any one of claims 10, 11 or 12,wherein the rows of metallized strips form groups of rows of metallized strips comprising at least one row of metallized strips, the groups of rows of metallized strips are arranged radially relative to the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board, andwherein the printed circuit board further comprises:a circular metallized section arranged on the dielectric layer,wherein the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board and the geometric center of the surface of the circular metallized section are overlapped with each other,and wherein the photoconductive layer covers the circular metallized section;metallized vias formed in the printed circuit board and comprising a central metallized via and a set of metallized vias,wherein the central metallized via passes through the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board, and the metallized vias of the set of metallized vias are arranged along a circle, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the circular metallized section,and wherein the metallized vias of the set of metallized vias are arranged opposite the edges of the group of rows of metallized strips and the centers of the groups of rows of metallized strips,and wherein a clearance is formed around each metallized via arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips in the circular metallized section, and each metallized via arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips comprises a pad arranged on the dielectric layer in the clearance;vias formed in the dielectric layer and the metal ground layer and arranged in the clearances, wherein one via arranged in each clearance; andlight sources configured to emit light from the side of the metal ground layer through the vias arranged in the clearances onto photoconductive layer portions to provide conductivity in the clearances and to form an electrical contact between the metallized vias arranged opposite the centers of the groups of rows of metallized strips and adjacent metallized vias arranged opposite the edges of the groups of rows of metallized strips,wherein the RF signal of the millimeter wave range is fed to the central metallized via exciting an electromagnetic wave with a cylindrical front, and the metallized vias from the set of metallized vias and the circular metallized section form a cylindrical resonator,and wherein, when the light source is switched on, the electrical contact is formed between the metallized via arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips and the metallized vias arranged opposite the edges of the group of rows of metallized strips, which leads to the non-transmission of the electromagnetic wave into the dielectric layer under the corresponding group of rows of metallized strips, and when the light source is switched off, there is no electrical contact between the metallized via arranged opposite the center of the group of rows of metallized strips and the metallized vias arranged opposite the edges of the group of rows of metallized strips, which leads to the transmission of the electromagnetic wave into the dielectric layer under the corresponding group of rows of metallized strips.14.The antenna according claim 1,wherein the rows of metallized strips are arranged radially relative to the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board and form a planar pattern for implementing the operation of a holographic antenna, and the RF signal of millimeter wave range is fed to a dielectric layer in the geometric center of the surface of the printed circuit board.15.A controlled pattern leaky wave antenna, the antenna configured to operate at a millimeter wave frequency, and the antenna comprising:a printed circuit board comprising at least the following arranged in a specified order from bottom to top:a metal ground layer;a dielectric layer, wherein the dielectric layer is a waveguide structure;rows of metallized strips arranged on an upper surface of the dielectric layer and extending in a propagation direction of a surface electromagnetic wave in the dielectric layer,wherein gaps are formed between the metallized strips in each row, and every two adjacent metallized strips form a cell,and wherein a radio frequency (RF) signal of millimeter wave range propagates in the dielectric layer in the form of the surface electromagnetic wave in a longitudinal direction of the rows of metallized strips;pin-diodes connecting the ends of the metallized strips facing each other in each cell of the metallized strips; andan impedance control unit configured to control an antenna pattern by controlling the impedance in the rows of metallized strips by applying a forward voltage to the pin-diodes,wherein if the forward voltage is applied to the pin-diode, then an electrical contact is formed between the metallized strips in the cell of the metallized strips to change the impedance in the cell of the metallized strips, and if the forward voltage is not applied to the pin-diode, then there is no electrical contact between the metallized strips in the cell of the metallized strips and the impedance in the cell of the metallized strips is not changed.

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