An Improved Scattering-Array-Based Decorrelation Technique for Enhanced MIMO Capacity in Realistic Multipath Scenarios

An improved phase-correcting-element (PCE)-based decorrelation technique is proposed in this letter. Unlike prior approaches, the proposed PCE scheme explicitly models both amplitude attenuation and phase shift under oblique incidence, and leverages the QuaDRiGa stochastic channel model to capture practical channel characteristics. A 2 × 4 dual-polarized patch array with PCEs operating at 3.5 GHz is fabricated to validate the proposed decorrelation method. Simulations and measurements agree well, showing up to 36% improvement in channel capacity and 25% increase in effective degrees of freedom compared to conventional arrays without PCEs.