Arrays with widely-spaced high-gain planar elements

Convenient solutions are proposed and tested for new types of high-gain planar arrays. The basic configurations make use of simple radiating elements (such as printed dipoles or slots) whose gain is enhanced by a proper resonant-type double-layer structure. It is shown that a wide element spacing is possible, thus minimizing the undesirable coupling effects and reducing the problems of physical space for the feeding network. It is seen that the radiation presents many desirable features, such as a rather simplified design, a high-directivity pencil beam even with few linear elements, and low grating lobes.