Electro-Optic Near-Field Analysis of a 76.5-GHz SIMMWIC Dipole Antenna

A comprehensive experimental analysis of an active 76.5-GHz antenna for automotive applications is presented The data obtained from high-resolution electro-optic and photoconductrve near-field measurements give clear insight into the performance ofthe device not accessible by standard S-parameter or far-field characterization. Three dimensional mapping of the transverse electric fields above the device together with the amplitude andphase sensitivity of the novel optoelectronic technique enables to trace the spatial and temporal evolution of the electric fields directly on the antenna and those radiated into free space. The high time resolution of the electro-optic measurement technique allows an improved ultra- broadband device characterization at the flindamental drive frequency, at the resonance frequency and also at unwanted harmonics.