Novel approach for low-loss reflectarray designs

A novel design approach is proposed for designing high performance reflectarrays using low-cost, lossy substrates. Using subwavelength elements, in particular subwavelength loops, one can dramatically reduce losses in reflectarrays and not incur significant gain drop due to the use of the lossy low cost substrate. It is further shown that the subwavelength loop achieves sufficient phase variation in a single layer design with a modest requirement in etching tolerance, making the loop superior to the single and double-layer subwavelength patch element.