A novel broadband and high-gain microstrip reflectarray antenna with variable polarization

This article proposes a new kind of microstrip reflectarray antenna, of which the polarization could be reconfigured among all the polarization states instead of some fixed states in a dual-or multi-polarized antenna. The mechanism for polarized variability is so simple that only mechanical rotation is needed. Theoretical analysis shows that the reflected polarization covers all states and that the dual-or multi-layered unit structure sandwiched with air-gaps can broaden the bandwidth efficiently. Moreover, it is demonstrated that adopting more elements can enhance antenna gain. With these advantageous features, this kind of antenna has the potential significance for engineering applications in radar, communication, etc. In this article, a complete theoretical analysis as well as a specific design sample is given to verify this method.