Weight-size optimization is the main challenge of high-power antenna
design. This letter presents a low-profile, metasurface-based wideband
antenna. The proposed antenna comprises an N-type-to-waveguide
transition to excite the metasurfaces and handle high-power excitations.
A metasurface array of 4×4-unit cells is integrated into the waveguide.
The proposed waveguide is 3D printed, and its internal faces are covered
by copper tape to maintain a low weight (less than 0.5 lb.). The
prototype is experimentally tested, and the results confirm the
prototype’s functionality from 2.1 GHz to 3.6 GHz with a bandwidth of
52.6 % and a peak gain of 8.5 dBi. Furthermore, the high-power handling
capability of the proposed design has been experimentally confirmed by
exciting it with a 7 kV pulsed source. These results demonstrate the
applicability of the proposed antenna in satellite communication, radar
communication, and wireless communication between Unmanned Aerial
Vehicles (UAVs).