Fixed-frequency leaky-wave antenna for simultaneous forward and backward scanning

A half-width microstrip leaky-wave antenna (HW-MLWA) is presented for simultaneous beam scanning in forward and backward directions at a fixed frequency. The directions of two main beams are controlled by changing the admittance between the radiating edge of the microstrip line and the ground plane. This is achieved by using gap capacitors at the radiating edge of the microstrip line and controlling their connection to the ground plane using digital switches. Two main beams of the proposed antenna can be steered from broadside (0°) to 33° in both forward and backward directions simultaneously at 6.25 GHz.