Leaky-Wave Steering in a Two-Dimensional Metamaterial Structure Using Wave Interaction Excitation

A two-dimensional composite right/left-handed (CRLH) metamaterial with an orthogonal feeding structure is demonstrated. By varying the magnitude of the input power to two orthogonal edges of the metamaterial, the net power flow direction can be controlled based on wave interaction. The CRLH metamaterial is analyzed and designed in terms of its equivalent circuit model and full-wave verification. The leaky-wave radiation from this metamaterial can be used for two-dimensional scanning without phase-shifters. Azimuth scanning is achieved by varying the magnitude of the input power at the two orthogonal edges of the structure, while elevation scanning is made possible by varying the operational frequency. Experimental radiation patterns of the metamaterial are shown and demonstrate an elevation scanning range of -61deg to +60deg and an azimuth scanning range of 0deg to +90deg with orthogonal two-edge feeding