Folded reflectarray antenna using a modified polarization grid for beam-steering

This work proposes a novel version of folded reflectarray antennas that allows beam-steering by adjusting the reflection properties of the polarizing grid on top of the antenna. The necessary degree of freedom is introduced by combining the polarizing grid with narrow patches acting as reflection phase shifters. Hence, this approach is interesting for reconfigurable concepts based on RF MEMS or Liquid Crystal arrays. In many applications, only a one-dimensional beam scan is required. In this case, the complexity of such arrays can be significantly reduced, as a two-dimensional distribution of control or bias signals can be avoided. As a proof of concept the presented antenna designed for a frequency of 77 GHz is based on common RF substrates.