A Ku-Band Mechanically Reconfigurable Slot Array Antenna Using Gap Waveguide Technology

This paper introduces a novel three-layer mechanically reconfigurable antenna based on gap waveguide technology. By eliminating the need for physical contact between fixed and movable components, this technology enables seamless vertical integration of a mechanically reconfigurable phase shifter with other antenna layers. The phase shifter operates with an air gap between a movable plate and the stationary body of the antenna, ensuring no electromagnetic leakage. To demonstrate practical applicability, a fully metallic one-dimensional beam-scanning antenna was developed, overcoming the limitations of electronically steerable antennas, such as low efficiency, high cost, and complexity. A prototype was fabricated and measured, showing good agreement between measured and simulated results. The antenna achieves a 5.2% fractional bandwidth in the 12.7 to 13.38 GHz range, with a peak gain of 21.1 dBi, efficiency higher than 85%, and beam scanning from -30° to +30°. These features make it a suitable candidate for various Ku-band radar systems and satellite communications.