Terahertz phased array antenna based on integrated taper emitters

Abstract

We report on an all-dielectric integrated taper as a radiating element for terahertz phased array antenna. The taper was manufactured on the base of the silicon substrate and was integrated with effective-medium waveguide. The obtained value of return loss of the taper emitter is 12.9 dB at a radiation frequency of 145.5 GHz. The width of the radiation pattern is 56.2° in the plane of the substrate. To demonstrate the change of the radiation pattern at different values of the phase difference between the elements of the phased array antenna, an appropriate simulation was carried out. It was found that with a phase difference between each pair of adjacent elements of a phased array antenna of 60°, the direction angle of the mainlobe of the radiation pattern changes by 5.5°. A proof of concept experimental demonstration of scanning by the mainlobe of the radiation pattern of a terahertz phased array antenna was carried out. The obtained results open up the possibility of use of the proposed taper emitter in future phased array antennas as part of a new generation communication system with ultra-high data transfer rate.