Patent ID: 6137453
Filing Date: 2000-10-24
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
A miniaturized, slow-wave antenna, comprising:a dielectric substrate having a first surface and a second surface;a traveling wave structure disposed on the first surface of the dielectric substrate;at least one feed line connected to the traveling wave structure;a surface member having a finite conductivity disposed on the second surface of the dielectric substrate;the dielectric substrate having an electrical thickness of less than or equal to 0.04.lambda..sub.1, where .lambda..sub.1 is an operating wavelength in free space for a slow-wave given by .lambda..sub.1 =c/f.sub.1, where c is a speed of light and f.sub.1 is a lowest frequency of an operating frequency range of the slow-wave antenna; andthe traveling wave structure and the dielectric substrate having a circumference at least as great as a radiation zone of the slow-wave antenna, the radiation zone comprising a circular band with a circumference m.lambda..sub.1, where m is an integer specifying a mode of operation of the traveling wave structure.