Pattern optimization of linearly tapered slot antennas using reactive loading

The linearly tapered slot antenna is an important member of integrated circuit antennas in the millimeter-wave and microwave frequencies. Previously, we have reported our results for the analysis of LTSAs on a dielectric substrate, and the variation of the antenna pattern with changing antenna dimensions and taper angle. In this article, it is shown that the antenna pattern can be improved using a top layer of a dielectric with varying permittivity. The method is succesfully applied to the case of resonant sized sample antennas in air.