Performance studies of Radial Line Slot Array (RLSA) antenna at 5.8 GHz on different materials

Abstract

The type of dielectric material used as radial cavity in the Radial Line Slot Array (RLSA) antenna structure would influence the characteristics of the antenna, particularly its Radiation Pattern. The dielectric material creates a slow wave structure, with the guided wavelength? Being smaller than the free space wavelength? to avoid grating lobes in the radiation pattern. In this chapter, three RLSA antenna prototypes were developed using three different dielectric materials. The antenna prototypes are designed to have linear polarisation and operate at 5.8 GHz. For comparison purpose, the Return Loss, Radiation Pattern and Relative Gain measurement of each antenna prototype were carried out.