Mode discussion of the microstrip traveling antenna

Abstract

This work examines the resonant‐mode analysis of the microstrip traveling antenna (or calling the leaky‐wave antenna). Considering the traveling antenna as an open‐end structure, the antenna embodiment can be analyzed by utilizing the cavity‐mode analysis. In order to understand the resonant characteristics of the traveling antenna, we use two traditional traveling antennas with two different lengths. The corresponding relationship between the resonant modes for the short and long antennas is derived. The radiation mechanism of the antenna is also explained with aid of the equivalent magnetic current density. The antenna designers can predict the resonant modes of the traveling antenna without utilizing expensive EM simulation software. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2556–2562, 2013