Development of Novel Low-Cost Reflectarrays [Antenna Applications Corner]

Design techniques have been developed to commercialize reflectarray designs. The use of low-cost, lossy materials in the design of traditional reflectarrays has been shown to substantially reduce their performance, precluding any competitiveness with solid reflectors. A novel design technique is presented that mitigates these losses and allows for performance on a par with commercial reflectors, while maintaining low costs. An atypical but highly successful radome material is also employed, with preliminary results showing ample environmental protection to allow the reflectarray to be used outdoors year-round, while still maintaining excellent electrical performance and low overall costs.