Amplitude and Frequency Modulated Leaky Wave Antenna for Reconfigurable Intelligent Radiation

This article first proposes the concept, design, and implementation of a kind of amplitude and frequency digitally modulated leaky wave antenna (LWA) for reconfigurable and intelligent radiation. By introducing the 1-bit amplitude and multibit frequency components, a novel digitally modulated leaky wave concept is developed, which is analyzed by engineered dispersion and array principles. Owing to the 1-bit amplitude modulation, the period length of the LWA is dynamically switched and multiple space harmonic modes are selectively radiated. The tilted angle of the main lobe is determined by the frequency (frequency scanning), and the beam shape is controlled by the amplitude distribution. In this way, based on the digital leaky wave elements, the functionality of space (pattern) and frequency diversity is realized by coding 0/1 digital sequences. More importantly, the polarization modulation is obtained by exploring the switchable polarizer. Then, a space, frequency, and polarization diversity digital LWA is realized. For validation, an amplitude and frequency modulation metasurface-based LWA is fabricated. By selecting different digital signals, various radiation beams are modulated. Thus, it can be seen as a new low-cost traveling-wave reconfigurable intelligent surface-like (RIS-like) radiator. In short, the proposed RIS-like design is verified to be a promising candidate for future intelligent wireless communication to achieve radiation control and information modulation.