A single-layered wideband circularly polarized reflectarray using a linearly polarized feed

A single-layered wideband circularly polarized (CP) reflectarray adopting a linearly polarized (LP) feed is designed, fabricated, and tested. The unit-cell is composed of a pair of orthogonally placed slotted patches and it can offer a linear phase by varying the embedded slot length. The orthogonal patches' exterior dimensions are all identical thus rapid structural changes observed in traditional reflectarrays are circumvented. By manipulating the dimensions of slot length in orthogonal directions, and illuminated by a linearly polarized feed orientated diagonally to the aperture, a circularly polarized radiating wave can be generated. The array is designed at 10 GHz, comprising 529 unit-cells with 0.3 lambda spacing. Measured results indicate a circularly polarized wave with a peak aperture efficiency of 46.4% is achieved while the 1-dB gain bandwidth and 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth are 28.8% and 35%, respectively, demonstrating a good overall performance of the design.

Automated summary

This research presents the design of a single-layer wideband circularly polarized reflectarray using a linearly polarized feed. By manipulating the embedded slot length, the design achieves linear phase and generates a circularly polarized radiating wave. The experimental results show that the design has good overall performance.