Theory and simulations of a conformal omni-directional subwavelength metamaterial leaky-wave antenna

The detailed theory of a single subwavelength conformal radiator that exploits the resonant properties of thin cylindrical metamaterial shells supporting leaky waves is presented. It is shown and reviewed analytically and numerically how a circularly symmetric resonant leaky mode may be supported by a properly designed subwavelength homogenous cylindrical shell of low negative permittivity. Some physical insights are provided and numerical simulations with a feed point, considering also the finiteness of the antenna in the longitudinal direction, are presented and discussed. Moreover, possibilities and limitations of a practical realization of this setup are mentioned, considering in details the possible anisotropies in the metamaterials.