Ricerc@Sapienza

In this work, we propose an azimuthally-invariant periodic leaky-wave radiator for the generation of Bessel beams and X-waves by means of backward cylindrical leaky waves at millimeter wavelengths. A rigorous framework is first outlined to understand the theoretical constraints of such novel design. A specific attention is devoted to the impact of the attenuation constant on the focusing properties of the device. On this basis, a practical design is then proposed to meet the previous requirements.

We analyze and experimentally demonstrate the possibility of generating X-waves at microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies by means of a partially open radial parallel-plate waveguide antenna. The structure is azimuthally symmetric and fed in the center by means of a simple vertical coaxial probe, which excites a cylindrical leaky wave. Radially periodic annular slots etched in the upper metal plate allow the propagation of a backward leaky wave, as required for generating Bessel beams in the near-field region.

In this work, we propose an azimuthally-invariant periodic leaky-wave (LW) radiator for the generation of Bessel beams and X-waves by means of backward cylindrical LWs at millimeter wavelengths. A rigorous framework is first outlined to understand the theoretical constraints of such a novel design. A specific attention is devoted to the impact of the attenuation constant on the focusing properties of the generated Bessel beams. On this basis, a practical design is then proposed to meet the previous requirements.

A radially periodic two-dimensional leaky-wave antenna is studied for the generation of zeroth-order Bessel beams within a limited spatial region and over a wide frequency range. The antenna design is wideband and based on an annular metal strip grating placed on top of a grounded dielectric slab, supporting a cylindrical leaky wave with a fast backward spatial harmonic.

Bessel-Gauss beams have mainly been proposed in optics as a solution for reducing the on-axis intensity oscillations typical of Bessel beams. Previous investigations on Bessel-Gauss beams are based on a scalar theory in the paraxial approximation, and thus cannot be extended to the microwave range where a fully vectorial approach is needed. Here, the generation of Bessel-Gauss beams through leaky waves is investigated. First, the nondiffractive and focusing properties of Bessel-Gauss beams generated through leaky waves are extensively examined in the frame of a vectorial approach.