A Practical Theory for Dielectric Image Guide Leaky-Wave Antennas Loaded by Periodic Metal Strips

The dispersion behavior of metal-strip-loaded dielectric image guide leaky-wave antennas is carefully analyzed and completely characterized. Many measurements have been made on this antenna type but until now no direct practical theory was available from which such antennas could be systematically designed. The theory is based on a novel multimode transverse equivalent network that is simple in form and easy to use. Finally, it is shown how the dispersion behavior and the antenna performance can be effectively controlled by properly adjusting the structural parameters.