DIELECTRIC RESONATOR ANTENNA ARRAYS

Arrays of low permittivity Polymer-based Resonator Antenna elements with different configurations. Individual array elements can be fabricated with complicated geometries; these elements can be assembled into complicated patterns as a single monolithic fabricated structure using narrow wall connecting structures, which removes the requirement to position and assemble the array elements. Monolithic array structures can be assembled as sub-arrays in larger array structures. Elements, sub-arrays, and arrays can also be formed by inserting dielectric materials into cavities defining their lateral geometries, and fabricated in polymer templates. The polymer templates can be removed or retained to function as part of the antenna. Effective excitation is achieved by one of a number of coupling methods, including standing metal strip feeding on the vertical sides of the elements, feeding by tall metal transmission lines in contact or in close proximity to the vertical sides of the elements, modified microstrip feeding, or aperture feeding by using a slot in the metal plane underneath the elements. The wideband array feeds are realized by optimized transmission line distribution networks which include wideband matching sections.