Low-Profile Risley Scanner using Dielectric Nonlocal Metasurfaces for Ka-Band SATCOM Applications

2D beam steering is a crucial requirement for wireless communication systems in many modern and emerging applications that involve moving platforms. The mechanical scanning technique using two independently rotating deflectors, known as the Risley-prism concept, has emerged as a promising solution for cost-effective applications. Conventionally, both upper and lower deflectors are based on local metasurfaces, in which the deflection function is designed using a phase transformation generated by locally varying the dimensions of the patterns in each unit cell. In this contribution, a new design approach is applied by exploiting dielectric nonlocal metasurfaces, considering the interactions among adjacent subwavelength elements to shape the overall effective far-field response. Simulation results of a finite structure of 260 mm diameter, operating at Ka-band, are presented, demonstrating the potential of this new design approach.