Millimeter-wave beam-scanning antennas using liquid crystals

Two Liquid crystal-based reflectarrays that operate at 100 GHz and 125 GHz are presented. The first pro totype (100 GHz) is used to validate the modeling and the design procedure proposed for this class of antenna. Experimental validation of the beam scanning is carried out by measuring the received power in a quasi-optical test bench, which is able to rotate the receiver in the horizontal plane. These results are used to des ign a second prototype antenna (125 GHz) which exhibits 2D beam scanning capabilities with a large bandwidth and scanning range that is sufficient for radar and communications applications