Antenna including at least one microstrip line phase shifting unit having a photo-dielectric layer and a light guiding structure configured to guide light into the photo-dielectric layer

Provided are a phase shifter, a preparation method thereof, and an antenna. The phase shifter includes at least one phase shifting unit, and the phase shifting unit includes a microstrip line, a photo-dielectric layer, a ground electrode, and at least one light guiding structure; the microstrip line is located on a side of the photo-dielectric layer, and the ground electrode is located on a side of the photo-dielectric layer facing away from the microstrip line; the light-guiding structure at least partially overlaps the photo-dielectric layer, and the light-guiding structure is configured to guide light into the photo-dielectric layer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202110231868.2 filed Mar. 2, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of communication technologies and in particular, to a phase shifter, a preparation method thereof, and an antenna.

BACKGROUND

The phased array antenna is an important radio device that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves. The phased array antenna controls the feeder phase of the radiation element in the array antenna by a phase shifter so that the radiation direction of the antenna is changed, and thus the purpose of beam scanning is achieved.

In the phase shifter of existing phased array antenna, the beam scanning function is achieved by using a separate transceiver chip (T/R component). However, the price of the transceiver chip is relatively expensive so that the phase shifter of existing phased array antenna is extremely expensive, it is difficult to achieve large-scale commercialization, and thus the promotion of the phased array antenna in the field of consumer electronics is limited.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a phase shifter, a preparation method thereof, and an antenna so that the cost is reduced and more possibilities are provided for large-scale commercialization.

In a first aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a phase shifter. The phase shifter includes at least one phase shifting unit.

Each of the at least one phase shifting unit includes a microstrip line, a photo-dielectric layer, a ground electrode, and at least one light guiding structure.

The microstrip line is located on a side of the photo-dielectric layer, and the ground electrode is located on a side of the photo-dielectric layer facing away from the microstrip line.

The at least one light guiding structure at least partially overlaps the photo-dielectric layer, and the at least one light guiding structure is configured to guide light into the photo-dielectric layer.

In a second aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an antenna.

The antenna includes the phase shifter described in the first aspect.

In a third aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a preparation method of a phase shifter. The method includes the steps described blow.

A photo-dielectric layer is provided.

A microstrip line is prepared on a side of the photo-dielectric layer, a ground electrode is prepared on a side of the photo-dielectric layer facing away from the microstrip line, and at least one light guiding structure is prepared so that at least one phase shifting unit is formed, where the at least one light guiding structure at least partially overlaps the photo-dielectric layer.

In the phase shifter provided in embodiments of the present disclosure, the photo-dielectric layer is provided between the microstrip line and the ground electrode, and at least one light guiding structure is provided to guide light into the photo-dielectric layer so that the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer is controlled to change through application of light, and thus the phase shift of radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line is controlled. Compared with the phase shifter in the related art, in the phase shifter provided in embodiments of the present disclosure, the expensive phase shifter chip is replaced with a relatively low-priced photo-dielectric layer so that while the phase shift of the radio frequency signals is achieved, the manufacturing cost is reduced and more possibilities are provided for large-scale commercialization.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is further described hereinafter in detail in conjunction with drawings and embodiments where like features are denoted by the same reference labels throughout the detail description of the drawings. It is to be understood that embodiments described hereinafter are intended to explain the present disclosure and not to limit the present disclosure. Additionally, it is to be noted that for ease of description, only part, not all, of structures related to the present disclosure are illustrated in the drawings.

FIG.1is a structure diagram of a phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.2is a structure diagram of a phase shifting unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.3is a sectional diagram ofFIG.2taken along the A-A′ direction. As shown inFIGS.1to3, the phase shifter provided in embodiments of the present disclosure includes at least one phase shifting unit10; each of the at least one phase shifting unit10includes a microstrip line101, a photo-dielectric layer102, a ground electrode103, and at least one light guiding structure104; the microstrip line101is located on a side of the photo-dielectric layer102, and the ground electrode103is located on a side of the photo-dielectric layer102facing away from the microstrip line101; the at least one light guiding structure104at least partially overlaps the photo-dielectric layer102, and the at least one light guiding structure104is configured to guide light into the photo-dielectric layer102.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS.1to3, the phase shifter includes at least one phase shifting unit10, and each of the at least one phase shifting unit10includes a photo-dielectric layer102. The dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is changed according to different lights. Light is introduced into the photo-dielectric layer102so that the structure and morphology of material molecules in the photo-dielectric layer102are changed, and then the anisotropy of physical properties of the material is modulated. In this manner, the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is changed. The optical parameters that affect the material properties are the light intensity and light wavelength. For example, the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102may be controlled to change by controlling the light intensity of the light; or the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102may be controlled to change by controlling the wavelength of the light, which is not limited in this embodiment as long as the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102may be changed. For example, in the case where the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is controlled by controlling the light wavelength of the light, the wavelength range of the light of the photo-dielectric layer may be controlled to be 390 nm to 577 nm. It may be that the wavelength range of green light is 492 nm to 577 nm, and the wavelength range of blue-violet light is 390 nm to 492 nm. That is, the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102may be controlled by using green light or blue-violet light. Embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the material of the photo-dielectric layer102, and those skilled in the art can make a selection according to the actual situation as long as the phase shift of radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101may be performed through the photo-dielectric layer102to change the phases of the radio frequency signals. In an embodiment, the material of the photo-dielectric layer102may include liquid crystal polymer, azo dye, and azo polymer.

It is to be noted that the material of the photo-dielectric layer102may be a solid material. Compared with a liquid material, the solid properties of the photo-dielectric layer102may improve the thickness uniformity to a certain extent and reduce the thickness change caused by the external pressure, and thus the influence of the thickness change on the phase shift performance of the phase shifter is reduced, which is conducive to improving the accuracy of the phase shift.

With continued reference toFIGS.1to3, each of the at least one phase shifting unit10further includes the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103. In this embodiment, the microstrip line101is located on a side of the photo-dielectric layer102, and the ground electrode103is located on a side of the photo-dielectric layer102facing away from the microstrip line101; the microstrip line101is configured to transmit radio frequency signals, and the radio frequency signals are transmitted between the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103. Specifically, as shown inFIGS.1to3, the photo-dielectric layer102overlaps the microstrip line101, the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103are respectively located on two opposite sides of the photo-dielectric layer102, and the radio frequency signals are transmitted in the photo-dielectric layer102between the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103. Due to the change of the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102(the photo-dielectric layer102is affected by the light intensity or wavelength of the light so that the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is changed), the phase shift of the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101occurs so that the phases of the radio frequency signals are changed, and the phase shift function of the radio frequency signals is achieved.

It is to be understood that the photo-dielectric layer102overlaps the microstrip line101, and it is feasible that the photo-dielectric layer102partially overlaps the microstrip line101; it is also feasible that the photo-dielectric layer102coincides with the microstrip line101; it is also feasible that the microstrip line101is located within the vertical projection of the photo-dielectric layer102on a plane where the microstrip line101is located. It is also to be understood that the photo-dielectric layer102overlaps the microstrip line101, and it is feasible that along the thickness direction of the photo-dielectric layer102, the photo-dielectric layer102overlaps the microstrip line101. In an embodiment, in the case where the microstrip line101is located in one plane, the photo-dielectric layer102overlaps the microstrip line101, and it is feasible that the vertical projection of the photo-dielectric layer102on the plane where the microstrip line101is located overlaps the microstrip line101.

With continued reference toFIGS.1to3, each of the at least one phase shifting unit10further includes at least one light guiding structure104; the at least one light guiding structure104at least partially overlaps the photo-dielectric layer102; the at least one light guiding structure104is configured to guide light into the photo-dielectric layer102so that the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is changed, and thus the phase shift control of the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101is achieved. It is to be understood that the at least one light guiding structure104may partially overlap the photo-dielectric layer102, or the vertical projection of the at least one light guiding structure104in a plane where the photo-dielectric layer102is located is within the photo-dielectric layer102; further, it is feasible that along the thickness direction of the photo-dielectric layer102, the photo-dielectric layer102overlaps the at least one light guiding structure104. Those skilled in the art can set the position of the at least one light guiding structure104according to the actual requirements as long as the light may be guided into the photo-dielectric layer102.

It is to be noted that the phase shifter may include one phase shifting unit10, the phase shifting unit10includes one microstrip line101, and the phase shifting unit10is configured to achieve the phase shift function of the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101. In other embodiments, the phase shifter may further include multiple phase shifting units10distributed in an array so that the phase shift of the radio frequency signals transmitted on multiple microstrip lines101is performed. InFIG.1, only the case where the phase shifter includes four phase shifting units is used as an example. In other embodiments, those skilled in the art can set the number and layout of the phase shifting units10according to the actual requirements, which is not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure.

In the phase shifter provided in embodiments of the present disclosure, the photo-dielectric layer102is provided between the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103, and at least one light guiding structure104is provided to guide light into the photo-dielectric layer102so that the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is controlled to change through light, and thus the phase shift of the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101is controlled. Compared with the phase shifter in the related art, in the phase shifter provided in embodiments of the present disclosure, the expensive phase shifter chip is replaced with a relatively low-priced photo-dielectric layer102so that while the phase shift of the radio frequency signals is achieved, the structure is simple, the cost is low, the manufacturing cost is reduced, and more possibilities are provided for large-scale commercialization. Further, to ensure the phase shift performance of the phase shifter, the thickness of the phase shifter needs to be as uniform as possible. Compared with the use of a liquid material as a dielectric layer whose dielectric constant is changed, the photo-dielectric layer is used so that the uniform thickness of the phase shifter is ensured, which is conducive to improving the accuracy of the phase shift. Further, the phase shifter provided in the present disclosure only needs to use light to control the change of the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer. Compared with the use of electrical control to control the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer, the electrode or the wiring of the potential does not need to be made or provided additionally so that the manufacturing process and the preparation process are simplified, which is conducive to controlling the cost.

With continued reference toFIGS.1to3, in an embodiment, the light guiding structure104is located on a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103, and/or the light guiding structure104is located on a side of the microstrip line101facing the ground electrode103.

The light guiding structure104may be located on aside of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103, or the light guiding structure104may be located on a side of the microstrip line101facing the ground electrode103, or a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103and a side of the microstrip line101facing the ground electrode103are both provided with the light guiding structure104so that light is guided into the photo-dielectric layer102, and thus the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is controlled to change by the light, and the phase shift control of the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101is achieved, which is not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure.

Specifically, as shown inFIG.3, in the case where the light guiding structure104is located on the side of the microstrip line101facing the ground electrode103is used as an example. The light guiding structure104may be disposed on a side of the photo-dielectric layer102facing the microstrip line101. For example, the light guiding structure104is an optical fiber or a light guiding plate disposed on a side of the photo-dielectric layer102facing the microstrip line101, or the light guiding structure104may also be disposed in a groove on a side of the photo-dielectric layer102facing the microstrip line101. The surface of the groove is covered with an opaque material so that light is confined in the light guiding structure104, and thus light leakage and a large amount of light loss during the transmission of the light in the light guiding structure104are avoided.

FIG.4is a partial sectional diagram of a phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.4, in an embodiment, the light guiding structure104is disposed on a side of the photo-dielectric layer102facing away from the microstrip line101. For example, the light guiding structure104is an optical fiber or a light guiding plate disposed on a side of the photo-dielectric layer102facing away from the microstrip line101, or the light guiding structure104may also be disposed in a groove on a side of the photo-dielectric layer102facing away from the microstrip line101. The surface of the groove is covered with an opaque material so that light is confined in the light guiding structure104, and thus light leakage and a large amount of light loss during the transmission of the light in the light guiding structure104are avoided.

The light guiding structure104is disposed on a side of the photo-dielectric layer102facing the microstrip line101, or the light guiding structure104is disposed on a side of the photo-dielectric layer102facing away from the microstrip line101. In this manner, the thickness of the phase shifter is reduced, which is conducive to achieving a miniaturized phase shifter.

In other embodiments, the light guiding structure104may also be disposed on a side of the ground electrode103facing away from the microstrip line101, or the light guiding structure104may be disposed on a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103so that the influence of the light guiding structure104on the thickness of the photo-dielectric layer102is reduced, and the accuracy of the phase shift of the photo-dielectric layer102is improved, which can be set by those skilled in the art according to the actual requirements.

FIG.5is a structure diagram of another phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.6is a sectional diagram ofFIG.5taken along the B-B′ direction. As shown inFIGS.5and6, in an embodiment, the light guiding structure104includes a light output opening1041, and the vertical projection of the light output opening1041on the plane where the microstrip line101is located does not overlap the microstrip line101.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.6, in the case where the light guiding structure104is located on a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103is used as an example. The light guiding structure104may be provided additionally. Specifically, when the phase shifter is prepared, the light guiding structure104may be prepared independently, and then the light guiding structure104is directly bonded to a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103so that the preparation process of the phase shifter is modularized. If the light guiding structure104has defects, only the light guiding structure104is replaced and the entire phase shifter does not need to be discarded, which is conducive to reducing the production cost.

With continued reference toFIGS.5and6, the light guiding structure104includes the light output opening1041, and light may be output only from the light output opening1041so that light leakage and a large amount of light loss during the transmission of the light in the light guiding structure104are avoided. For example, as shown inFIG.6, the light guiding structure104is configured as a closed structure covered by an opaque material1042. When light is transmitted in the light guiding structure104, the opaque material1042confines the light in the closed structure so that light leakage and a large amount of light loss during the transmission of the light in the light guiding structure104are avoided; the opaque material1042is removed at the light output opening1041of the light guiding structure104so that the light is output from the light output opening1041.

It is to be noted that the opaque material1042may be an opaque material, and the opaque material1042may also be a material that only blocks the light to which the photo-dielectric layer102is able to respond. The so-called light to which the photo-dielectric layer102is able to respond may satisfy the following condition: in the case where the light is irradiated to the photo-dielectric layer102, the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is changed. For example, the light to which the photo-dielectric layer102is able to respond is blue light, and the opaque material1042blocks blue light.

Further, the vertical projection of the light output opening1041on the plane where the microstrip line101is located does not overlap the microstrip line101. It is to be understood that the case where the vertical projection of the light output opening1041on the plane where the microstrip line101is located does not overlap the microstrip line101indicates that no overlapping area between the light output opening1041and the microstrip line101along the thickness direction of the microstrip line101exists so that the light output from the light output opening1041may be prevented from being blocked by the microstrip line101, it is ensured that the light is guided into the photo-dielectric layer102between the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103, and thus the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is changed, and the phase shift control of the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101is achieved.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.6, the phase shifter provided in embodiments of the present disclosure includes a microstrip-line arrangement area21and a non-microstrip-line arrangement area22. Along the thickness direction of the microstrip line101, the microstrip line101coincides with the microstrip-line arrangement area21, that is, along the thickness direction of the microstrip line101, the edge of the microstrip-line arrangement area21coincides with the edge of the microstrip line101, and the non-microstrip-line arrangement area22covers the light output opening1041so that the light output from the light output opening1041can be prevented from being blocked by the microstrip line101.

With continued reference toFIG.5, in an embodiment, along the direction parallel to the plane where the photo-dielectric layer102is located, the light output opening1041includes a first boundary10411, and the first boundary10411is a boundary of a side of the light output opening1041facing the microstrip line101; the microstrip line101includes a second boundary1011, and the second boundary1011is a boundary of a side of the microstrip line101facing the light output opening1041. The shortest distance between the first boundary10411and the second boundary1011is D1, where 0<D1≤2 mm.

As shown inFIG.5, if the shortest distance D1between the first boundary10411and the second boundary1011is too great, the distance between the light output opening1041and the photo-dielectric layer102between the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103is relatively great so that when propagating to the photo-dielectric layer102between the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103, the light output from the light output opening1041is greatly attenuated, and thus the light utilization efficiency is reduced. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the shortest distance D1between the first boundary10411of the light output opening1041and the second boundary1011of the microstrip line101satisfies 0<D1≤2 mm so that the light output opening1041is relatively facing the photo-dielectric layer102between the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103, which is conducive to improving the light utilization efficiency.

FIG.7is a partial sectional diagram of another phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the phase shifter provided in embodiments of the present disclosure further includes a first substrate31, the first substrate31is located on a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103, and the light guiding structure104is located on the first substrate31.

As shown inFIG.7, the first substrate31is disposed on a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103so that the first substrate31can support and protect the phase shifter and improve the robustness of the phase shifter. Further, when the light guiding structure104is prepared, the first substrate31may be used as a carrier, and the light guiding structure104, the microstrip line101, and the photo-dielectric layer102are prepared on the first substrate31so that the difficulty of preparing the phase shifter is reduced.

Further,FIG.8is a partial sectional diagram of another phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.9is an enlarged structure diagram of area F ofFIG.8. As shown inFIGS.8and9, in an embodiment, the light guiding structure104includes a groove1043, and the groove1043may be located on a side of the first substrate31facing away from the ground electrode103.

The groove1043is disposed on a side of the first substrate31facing away from the ground electrode103so that the light guiding structure104is formed, and compared with the light guiding structure104provided additionally, it is conducive to reducing the thickness of the phase shifter and thus achieving a miniaturized phase shifter.

Further, with continued reference toFIGS.8and9, the light guiding structure104further includes the opaque material1042covering the groove1043. When light is transmitted in the light guiding structure104, the opaque material1042confines the light in the groove1043so that light leakage and a large amount of light loss during the transmission of the light in the light guiding structure104are avoided; the opaque material1042is removed at the light output opening1041of the light guiding structure104so that the light is output from the light output opening1041.

It is to be noted that the opaque material1042may be an opaque material such as organic photoresist, metal, opaque resin, graphite, or other reflective layers, and the opaque material1042may also be a material that only blocks the light to which the photo-dielectric layer102is able to respond. The so-called light to which the photo-dielectric layer102is able to respond may satisfy the following condition: in the case where the light is irradiated to the photo-dielectric layer102, the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is changed. For example, the light to which the photo-dielectric layer102is able to respond is blue light, and the opaque material1042blocks blue light.

Further, it is to be noted that the light guiding structure104may also be located on a side of the first substrate31facing the ground electrode103. Embodiments of the present disclosure are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

FIG.10is a structure diagram of another phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.11is a sectional diagram ofFIG.10taken along the C-C′ direction,FIG.12is an enlarged structure diagram of area D ofFIG.11, andFIG.13is a sectional diagram ofFIG.10taken along the E-E′ direction. As shown inFIGS.10to13, in an embodiment, the light guiding structure104includes the light output opening1041; the phase shifter provided in embodiments of the present disclosure further includes the first substrate31, and the first substrate31is located on a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103; the first substrate31includes a first sub-substrate311and a second sub-substrate312, and the second sub-substrate312is located on a side of the first sub-substrate311facing away from the ground electrode103; the light guiding structure104includes the groove1043and a metal reflective layer1044, the groove1043is located on a side of the first sub-substrate311facing away from the ground electrode103, and/or the groove1043is located a side of the second sub-substrate312facing the ground electrode103; the metal reflective layer1044covers the surface of the groove1043; the light output opening1041is disposed on the metal reflective layer1044on a side of the groove1043facing the photo-dielectric layer102.

As shown inFIGS.10to13, the first substrate31is located on a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103. The light guiding structure104is disposed in the first substrate31so that the light guiding structure104is located on a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103. In this manner, the light guiding structure104is prevented from affecting the thickness of the photo-dielectric layer102, and the accuracy of the phase shift of the photo-dielectric layer102is improved. Moreover, the light guiding structure104is disposed in the first substrate31, and compared with the light guiding structure104disposed in the photo-dielectric layer102, the light guiding structure104is separated from the microstrip line101by one layer of substrate so that the influence of the metal reflective layer1044in the light guiding structure104on the microstrip line101is reduced, good control of the radio frequency signals by the microstrip line101is achieved. Further, if the light guiding structure104is disposed on a side of the ground electrode103facing away from the microstrip line101, a hollow structure needs to be provided on the ground electrode103so that the ground electrode103is prevented from blocking the light introduced by the light guiding structure104. Therefore, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the light guiding structure104is disposed on a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103, and a hollow structure does not need to be provided on the ground electrode103so that the influence of the hollow structure on the ground electrode103on the radio frequency signals is avoided, and good control of the radio frequency signals by the microstrip line101is achieved.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS.10to13, the first substrate31includes the first sub-substrate311and the second sub-substrate312located on a side of the first sub-substrate311facing away from the ground electrode103; a side of the first sub-substrate311facing away from the ground electrode103is provided with the groove1043, and/or a side of the second sub-substrate312facing the ground electrode103is provided with the groove1043; and the metal reflective layer1044covers the surface of the groove1043so that the light guiding structure104is formed. The metal reflective layer1044reflects the light in the light guiding structure104so that light leakage and a large amount of light loss during the transmission of the light in the light guiding structure104are avoided; the metal reflective layer1044on a side of the groove1043facing the photo-dielectric layer102is provided with a hollow structure so that the light output opening1041is formed, the light is output from the light output opening1041, it is ensured that the light is guided into the photo-dielectric layer102between the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103, and thus the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is changed, and the phase shift control of the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101is achieved.

With continued reference toFIGS.10to13, the light guiding structure104at least partially overlaps the photo-dielectric layer102so that the light guiding structure104is configured to guide light into the photo-dielectric layer102. In this manner, the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is changed, and thus the phase shift control of the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101is achieved. It is to be understood that the light guiding structure104may partially overlap the photo-dielectric layer102, or the vertical projection of the light guiding structure104in the plane where the photo-dielectric layer102is located is within the photo-dielectric layer102; further, it is feasible that along the thickness direction of the photo-dielectric layer102, the photo-dielectric layer102overlaps the light guiding structure104. Those skilled in the art can set the position of the light guiding structure104according to the actual requirements as long as the light may be guided into the photo-dielectric layer102.

With continued reference toFIGS.10to13, in an embodiment, the light guiding structure104is located on a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103, and/or the light guiding structure104is located on a side of the ground electrode103facing away from the microstrip line101.

The light guiding structure104may be located on aside of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103, or the light guiding structure104may be located on a side of the ground electrode103facing away from the microstrip line101, or a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103and a side of the ground electrode103facing away from the microstrip line101are both provided with the light guiding structure104so that light is guided into the photo-dielectric layer102, and thus the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is controlled to change by the light, and the phase shift control of the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101is achieved, which can be set flexibly by those skilled in the art according to the actual requirements.

With continued reference toFIGS.10to13, in an embodiment, the light guiding structure104includes the light output opening1041, and the vertical projection of the light output opening1041on the plane where the microstrip line101is located does not overlap the microstrip line101.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIGS.10to13, the case where the light guiding structure104is located on a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103is used as an example. The light guiding structure104includes the light output opening1041, and light may be output only from the light output opening1041so that light leakage and a large amount of light loss during the transmission of the light in the light guiding structure104are avoided.

With continued reference toFIG.11, in an embodiment, along the direction parallel to the plane where the photo-dielectric layer102is located, the light output opening1041includes the first boundary10411, and the first boundary10411is a boundary of a side of the light output opening1041facing the microstrip line101; the microstrip line101includes the second boundary1011, and the second boundary1011is a boundary of a side of the microstrip line101facing the light output opening1041. The shortest distance between the first boundary10411and the second boundary1011is D1, where 0<D1≤2 mm.

As shown inFIG.11, if the shortest distance D1between the first boundary10411and the second boundary1011is too great, the distance between the light output opening1041and the photo-dielectric layer102between the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103is relatively great so that when propagating to the photo-dielectric layer102between the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103, the light output from the light output opening1041is attenuated greatly, and thus the light utilization efficiency is reduced. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the shortest distance D1between the first boundary10411of the light output opening1041and the second boundary1011of the microstrip line101satisfies 0<D1≤2 mm so that the light output opening1041is relatively facing the photo-dielectric layer102between the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103, which is conducive to improving the light utilization efficiency.

With continued reference toFIGS.10to13, in an embodiment, the groove1043is located on a side of the first sub-substrate311facing away from the ground electrode103; the groove1043includes a first top surface10431and a first sidewall10432, and the first top surface10431is located on a side of the groove1043facing the second sub-substrate312; the metal reflective layer1044includes a first metal reflective layer10441and a second metal reflective layer10442, the first metal reflective layer10441covers the first sidewall10432, and the second metal reflective layer10442covers the first top surface10431; the light output opening1041is disposed on the first metal reflective layer10442.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS.10to13, in the case where the groove1043is located on a side of the first sub-substrate311facing away from the ground electrode103is used as an example. When the light guiding structure104is prepared, a side of the first sub-substrate311facing away from the ground electrode103is provided with the groove1043, and the groove1043includes the first top surface10431and the first sidewall10432; the first metal reflective layer10441is formed on a side of the groove1043, the first metal reflective layer10441covers the first sidewall10432, and the first metal reflective layer10441is etched so that the light output opening1041is formed and the light may be output from the light output opening1041; the second metal reflective layer10442is disposed on a side of the second sub-substrate312, and the first sub-substrate311and the second sub-substrate312are bonded so that the second metal reflective layer10442covers the first top surface10431and the light guiding structure104is formed in the first substrate31. The first substrate31includes the first sub-substrate311and the second sub-substrate312, and the light guiding structure104is formed between the first sub-substrate311and the second sub-substrate312so that the manufacturing difficulty of the light guiding structure104is reduced.

With continued reference toFIGS.10to13, in an embodiment, the groove1043is located on a side of the first sub-substrate311facing away from the ground electrode103, the first sub-substrate311is a flexible substrate, and the groove1043is formed by an imprinting process.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS.10to13, in the case where the groove1043is located on a side of the first sub-substrate311facing away from the ground electrode103is used as an example, and the first sub-substrate311may be set as a flexible substrate so that the groove1043may be formed by an imprinting process. For example, the groove1043is formed on the first sub-substrate311by a nano-imprinting process, and compared with the related art, no etching process is needed so that the processing difficulty is reduced.

In an embodiment, the material of the flexible substrate includes polyimide (PI), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), and metal so that the first sub-substrate311has the characteristics of low cost and good flexibility. For example, an aluminum thin film is used as a flexible substrate, and those skilled in the art can set the material of the first sub-substrate311according to the actual requirements, which is not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure.

With continued reference toFIG.12, in an embodiment, the included angle between the first top surface10431and the first sidewall10432is θ1, where 0<θ1<90°.

As shown inFIG.12, the included angle θ1between the first top surface10431and the first sidewall10432satisfies 0<θ1<90°, that is, the first sidewall10432is a sloped surface. In this manner, in the case where the first metal reflective layer10441is formed on a side of the groove1043, the first metal reflective layer10441may easily cover the first sidewall10432so that the uniformity of the deposition of the first metal reflective layer10441on the first sidewall10432is improved, and the light leakage on the first sidewall10432is solved.

FIG.14is a partial sectional diagram of another phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.15is an enlarged structure diagram of area N ofFIG.14. As shown inFIGS.10,14, and15, in an embodiment, the groove1043is located on a side of the second sub-substrate312facing the ground electrode103; the groove1043includes a second top surface10433and a second sidewall10434, and the second top surface10433is located on a side of the groove1043facing the first sub-substrate311; the metal reflective layer1044includes the first metal reflective layer10441and the second metal reflective layer10442, the first metal reflective layer10441covers the second top surface10433, and the second metal reflective layer10442covers the second sidewall10434; the light output opening1041is disposed on the first metal reflective layer10441.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS.14and15, in the case where the groove1043is located on a side of the second sub-substrate312facing the ground electrode103is used as an example. When the light guiding structure104is prepared, the groove1043is prepared on a side of the second sub-substrate312, the groove1043includes the second top surface10433and the second sidewall10434, the second metal reflective layer10442is prepared on a side of the groove1043, and the second metal reflective layer10442covers the second sidewall10434; the first metal reflective layer10441is provided on a side of the first substrate311, and the first metal reflective layer10441is etched so that the light output opening1041is formed, and the light may be output from the light output opening1041. The first sub-substrate311and the second sub-substrate312are bonded so that the first metal reflective layer10441covers the second top surface10433, and thus the light guiding structure104is formed in the first substrate31. When the first metal reflective layer10441is etched, since no groove1043is provided on the first sub-substrate311, the first metal reflective layer10441is located in the same plane so that the etching process can be implemented easily, which is conducive to improving the etching accuracy. Moreover, the first substrate31includes the first sub-substrate311and the second sub-substrate312, and the light guiding structure104is formed between the first sub-substrate311and the second sub-substrate312so that the manufacturing difficulty of the light guiding structure104is reduced. Further, the groove1043is disposed on the second sub-substrate312, and structures such as the microstrip line101are provided on the first sub-substrate311so that electrode layers and the grooves1043are prevented from being made on the same substrate. Structures such as the groove1043and the microstrip line101are formed on different sub-substrates, and then the different sub-substrates are bonded together so that the preparation process is simplified and the following case can be avoided: the prepared groove1043affects the microstrip line101and thus affects the phase shift function of the phase shifter.

With continued reference toFIGS.14and15, in an embodiment, the groove1043is located on a side of the second sub-substrate312facing the ground electrode103, the second sub-substrate312is a flexible substrate, and the groove1043is formed by an imprinting process.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS.14and15, the case where the groove1043is located on a side of the first sub-substrate311facing the ground electrode103is used as an example, and the second sub-substrate312may be set as a flexible substrate so that the groove1043may be formed by an imprinting process. For example, the groove1043is formed on the second sub-substrate312by a nano-imprinting process, and compared with the related art, no etching process is needed so that the processing difficulty is reduced.

In an embodiment, the material of the flexible substrate includes polyimide (PI), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), and metal so that the second sub-substrate312has the characteristics of low cost and good flexibility. For example, an aluminum thin film is used as a flexible substrate, and those skilled in the art can set the material of the second sub-substrate312according to the actual requirements, which is not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure.

With continued reference toFIG.15, in an embodiment, the included angle between the second top surface10433and the second sidewall10434is θ2, where 0<θ2<90°.

As shown inFIG.15, the included angle θ2between the second top surface10433and the second sidewall10434satisfies 0<θ2<90°, that is, the second sidewall10434is a sloped surface. In this manner, in the case where the second metal reflective layer10442is formed on a side of the groove1043, the second metal reflective layer10442may easily cover the second sidewall10434so that the uniformity of the deposition of the second metal reflective layer10442on the second sidewall10434is improved, and the light leakage on the second sidewall10434is solved.

It is to be noted that the shape of the groove1043may be set arbitrarily according to the actual requirements. In an embodiment, as shown inFIGS.11to15, the section of the groove1043may be trapezoidal.FIG.16is a partial sectional diagram of another phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.17is an enlarged structure diagram of area G ofFIG.16. In an embodiment, as shown inFIGS.16and17, the section of the groove1043may also be triangular. In other embodiments, the section of the groove1043may also be rectangular, which is not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure.

With continued reference toFIGS.14to15, in an embodiment, the light guiding structure104at least partially overlaps the photo-dielectric layer102, and the light guiding structure104is configured to guide light into the photo-dielectric layer102so that the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is changed, and thus the phase shift control of the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101is achieved. It is to be understood that the light guiding structure104may partially overlap the photo-dielectric layer102, or the vertical projection of the light guiding structure104in the plane where the photo-dielectric layer102is located is within the photo-dielectric layer102; further, it is feasible that along the thickness direction of the photo-dielectric layer102, the photo-dielectric layer102overlaps the light guiding structure104. Those skilled in the art can set the position of the light guiding structure104according to the actual requirements as long as the light may be guided into the photo-dielectric layer102.

With continued reference toFIGS.14to15, in an embodiment, the light guiding structure104is located on a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103, and/or the light guiding structure104is located on a side of the ground electrode103facing away from the microstrip line101.

The light guiding structure104may be located on aside of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103, or the light guiding structure104may be located on a side of the ground electrode103facing away from the microstrip line101, or a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103and a side of the ground electrode103facing away from the microstrip line101are both provided with the light guiding structure104so that light is guided into the photo-dielectric layer102, and thus the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is controlled to change by the light, and the phase shift control of the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101is achieved, which can be set flexibly by those skilled in the art according to the actual requirements.

With continued reference toFIGS.14to15, in an embodiment, the light guiding structure104includes the light output opening1041, and the vertical projection of the light output opening1041on the plane where the microstrip line101is located does not overlap the microstrip line101.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIGS.14to15, in the case where the light guiding structure104is located on a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103is used as an example. The light guiding structure104includes the light output opening1041, and light may be output only from the light output opening1041so that light leakage and a large amount of light loss during the transmission of the light in the light guiding structure104are avoided.

With continued reference toFIG.14, in an embodiment, along the direction parallel to the plane where the photo-dielectric layer102is located, the light output opening1041includes the first boundary10411, and the first boundary10411is a boundary of a side of the light output opening1041facing the microstrip line101; the microstrip line101includes the second boundary1011, and the second boundary1011is a boundary of a side of the microstrip line101facing the light output opening1041. The shortest distance between the first boundary10411and the second boundary1011is D1, where 0<D1≤2 mm.

As shown inFIG.14, if the shortest distance D1between the first boundary10411and the second boundary1011is too great, the distance between the light output opening1041and the photo-dielectric layer102between the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103is relatively great so that when propagating the light to the photo-dielectric layer102between the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103, the light output from the light output opening1041is attenuated greatly, and thus the light utilization efficiency is reduced. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the shortest distance D1between the first boundary10411of the light output opening1041and the second boundary1011of the microstrip line101satisfies 0<D1≤2 mm so that the light output opening1041is relatively facing the photo-dielectric layer102between the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103, which is conducive to improving the light utilization efficiency.

FIG.18is a partial sectional diagram of another phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.19is an enlarged structure diagram of area I ofFIG.18. As shown inFIGS.18and19, in an embodiment, the light guiding structure104includes the light output opening1041. The phase shifter provided in embodiments of the present disclosure further includes the first substrate31, and the first substrate31is located on a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103. The first substrate31includes a first sub-substrate311, a second sub-substrate312, and a third sub-substrate313. The third sub-substrate313is located on a side of the first sub-substrate311facing away from the ground electrode103, and the second sub-substrate312is located on a side of the third sub-substrate313facing away from the first sub-substrate311. The third sub-substrate313includes a first hollow portion3131, a third metal reflective layer10443is disposed on a side of the first hollow portion3131facing the first sub-substrate311, a fourth metal reflective layer10444is disposed on a side of the first hollow portion3131facing the second sub-substrate312, and the light output opening1041is disposed on the third metal reflective layer10443.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS.18and19, the first substrate31includes the first sub-substrate311, the second sub-substrate312, and the third sub-substrate313. When the light guiding structure104is prepared, the fourth metal reflective layer10444is prepared on the second sub-substrate312, the third sub-substrate313is disposed on a side of the fourth metal reflective layer10444facing away from the second sub-substrate312, and the third sub-substrate313is etched so that the first hollow portion3131is formed. The third metal reflective layer10443is prepared on a side of the first sub-substrate311, and the third metal reflective layer10443is etched so that the light output opening1041is formed. The first sub-substrate311and the third sub-substrate313are bonded together so that the third metal reflective layer10443is bonded to the third sub-substrate313, and the light guiding structure104is formed in the first substrate31. In this embodiment, a groove structure does not need to be provided on the first sub-substrate311. Therefore, when the third metal reflective layer10443is etched to form the light output opening1041, since the first sub-substrate311is not provided the groove structure, the first metal reflective layer10441disposed on the first sub-substrate311is a plane, and compared with the solution in which the first sub-substrate311is provided with the groove1043, a planar etching process can be implemented easily, which is conducive to improving the etching accuracy. Moreover, the first substrate31includes the first sub-substrate311, the second sub-substrate312, and the third sub-substrate313, and the light guiding structure104is formed on the third sub-substrate313between the first sub-substrate311and the second sub-substrate312so that the manufacturing difficulty of the light guiding structure104is reduced.

Based on the preceding embodiments,FIG.20is a partial sectional diagram of another phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.20, in an embodiment, a light blocking layer41is provided on the sidewall of the first hollow portion3131.

Specifically, as shown inFIG.20, the light blocking layer41is provided on the sidewall of the first hollow portion3131. In this manner, light does not leak from the sidewall of the first hollow portion3131during the transmission of the light in the light guiding structure104so that a large amount of light loss is avoided, which is conducive to improving the light utilization efficiency. The material of the light blocking layer41may include metal or light blocking pigments. In the case where the light blocking layer41is provided on the sidewall of the first hollow portion3131, the third sub-substrate313may be made of a transparent material so that the material of the third sub-substrate313has more choices. For example, the third sub-substrate313is made of optical clear (OC), and the sidewall of the first hollow portion3131is coated with a black pigment, which can be set by those skilled in the art according to the actual requirements and is not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure.

With continued reference toFIG.19, in an embodiment, the material of the third sub-substrate313is an opaque material.

Specifically, as shown inFIG.19, the material of the third sub-substrate313is set as an opaque material. In this manner, light does not leak from the sidewall of the first hollow portion3131during the transmission of the light in the light guiding structure104so that a large amount of light loss is avoided, which is conducive to improving the light utilization efficiency. In this solution, the light blocking layer41does not need to be provided on the sidewall of the first hollow portion3131so that the preparation process is simplified and the preparation difficulty is reduced. The third sub-substrate313may be any opaque material such as organic photoresist, metal, opaque resin, and graphite, which is not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure.

It is to be noted that the opaque material may be black material, and the opaque material may also be a material that only blocks the light to which the photo-dielectric layer102is able to respond. The so-called “light” to which the photo-dielectric layer102is able to respond may satisfy the following condition: in the case where the light is irradiated to the photo-dielectric layer102, the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is changed. For example, the light to which the photo-dielectric layer102is able to respond is blue light, and the opaque material blocks blue light.

Based on the preceding embodiments, with continued reference toFIGS.2,10, and14, in an embodiment, the vertical projection of the light guiding structure104on the plane where the microstrip line101is located does not overlap the microstrip line101.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS.2,10and14, the vertical projection of the light guiding structure104on the plane where the microstrip line101is located does not overlap the microstrip line101. It is to be understood that in the case where the vertical projection of the light guiding structure104on the plane where the microstrip line101is located does not overlap the microstrip line101indicates that along the thickness direction of the microstrip line101, no overlapping area between the light guiding structure104and the microstrip line101exists. The vertical projection of the light guiding structure104on the plane where the microstrip line101is located does not overlap the microstrip line101so that while the light output from the light guiding structure104can be prevented from being blocked by the microstrip line101, and the influence of the light guiding structure104on the radio frequency signals transmitted in the photo-dielectric layer102can be reduced.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIGS.2to4, in the case where the light guiding structure104is located on a side of the microstrip line101facing the ground electrode103is used as an example, and the vertical projection of the light guiding structure104on the plane where the microstrip line101is located does not overlap the microstrip line101so that the light guiding structure104does not affect the thickness of the photo-dielectric layer102between the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103. In this manner, the influence of the light guiding structure104on the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101can be reduced, and thus the accuracy of the phase shift of the photo-dielectric layer102for the radio frequency signals can be ensured.

In other embodiments, as shown inFIGS.10to17, in the case where the light guiding structure104is located on a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103is used as an example, the light guiding structure104includes the groove1043and the metal reflective layer1044covering the groove1043, and the vertical projection of the light guiding structure104on the plane where the microstrip line101is located does not overlap the microstrip line101so that the influence of the metal reflective layer1044in the light guiding structure104on the microstrip line101can be reduced, and thus the influence of the light guiding structure104on the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101can be reduced. At the same time, since the light guiding structure104does not overlap the microstrip line101along the thickness direction of the microstrip line101, the light output opening1041is provided at any position of the light guiding structure104, and the light output from the light output opening1041is not blocked by the microstrip line101so that it can be ensured that light is guided into the photo-dielectric layer102between the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103. In this manner, the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102can be changed, and thus the phase shift control of the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101can be achieved.

It is to be noted that in the case where the vertical projection of the light guiding structure104on the plane where the microstrip line101is located does not overlap the microstrip line101has nothing to do with the film layer structure where the light guiding structure104is located. The light guiding structure104may be located on a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103, and/or the light guiding structure104is located on a side of the microstrip line101facing the ground electrode103. In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.18, the phase shifter provided in embodiments of the present disclosure includes the microstrip-line arrangement area21and the non-microstrip-line arrangement area22. Along the thickness direction of the microstrip line101, the microstrip line101coincides with the microstrip-line arrangement area21, that is, along the thickness direction of the microstrip line101, the edge of the microstrip-line arrangement area21coincides with the edge of the microstrip line101, and the light guiding structure104is located in the non-microstrip-line arrangement area22so that while the light output from the light guiding structure104can be prevented from being blocked by the microstrip line101, the phase shift performance of the photo-dielectric layer102for the radio frequency signals can be ensured.

It is to be noted that the preceding embodiments are only examples. In other embodiments, the vertical projection of the light guiding structure104on the plane where the microstrip line101is located may overlap the microstrip line101(as shown inFIG.5), which can be set by those skilled in the art according to the actual requirements and is not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure.

Based on the preceding embodiments,FIG.21is a structure diagram of another phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.22is a sectional diagram ofFIG.21taken along the J-J′ direction. As shown inFIGS.21and22, in an embodiment, the phase shifter provided in embodiments of the present disclosure further includes a spacing structure42, the spacing structure42is located between the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103, and the spacing structure42is located between the phase shifting units10.

As shown inFIGS.21and22, the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is changed by the influence of light, and the phases of the radio frequency signals are changed by the influence of the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102. Therefore, the phase adjustment can be achieved by controlling the light. In the phase shifter provided in embodiments of the present disclosure, the spacing structure42is disposed between the phase shifting units10, and the spacing structure42is configured to block light so that the lights in different phase shifting units10can be isolated by the spacing structure42. In this manner, the crosstalk between the lights in different phase shifting units10can be reduced, and thus the accuracy of the phase adjustment can be further improved. Further, as shown inFIGS.21and22, the spacing structure42may also play a supporting role between the ground electrode103and the first substrate31so that the difference in the distances between the ground electrode103and the first substrate31at all positions of the phase shifter can be reduced, the uniformity of the thickness of the photo-dielectric layer102can be improved, and the accuracy of the phase adjustment can be further improved.

It is to be noted that those skilled in the art can arbitrarily set the arrangement position of the spacing structure42as long as the mutual influence between the lights in different phase shifting units10can be reduced, which is not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIGS.21and22, the spacing structure42may be arranged between two different phase shifting units10so that the mutual influence between the lights in the two phase shifting units10can be reduced, and thus the accuracy of the phase adjustment can be improved. In other embodiments, one spacing structure42may also be arranged every one or more phase shifting units10, which is not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure.

Based on the preceding embodiment,FIG.23is a structure diagram of another phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.23, in an embodiment, the distance between adjacent phase shifting units10is relatively small, and the mutual influence between the lights in adjacent phase shifting units10is relatively great. Therefore, the spacing structure42may be arranged between any two adjacent phase shifting units10so that the mutual influence between the lights in adjacent phase shifting units10can be reduced, and thus the accuracy of the phase adjustment can be further reduced.

FIG.24is a structure diagram of another phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.24, in an embodiment, the spacing structure42may also be arranged around the phase shifting unit10so that while the mutual influence of the lights in different phase shifting units10can be reduced, the interference of external ambient light on the lights in the phase shifting units10can be reduced, and thus the accuracy of the phase adjustment can be further improved.

In other embodiments, those skilled in the art can also dispose the spacing structure42between the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103or in any one or more film layers between the light guiding structure104and the ground electrode103as long as the lights in different phase shifting units10may be blocked.

It is to be noted that the spacing structure42may be any opaque material, and those skilled in the art can set the material of the spacing structure42according to the actual requirements, which is not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG.25is a partial sectional diagram of another phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.25, in an embodiment, the phase shifter provided in embodiments of the present disclosure further includes a second substrate32, and the second substrate32is located on a side of the ground electrode103facing away from the microstrip line101.

As shown inFIG.25, the case where the light guiding structure104is located on a side of the microstrip line101facing the ground electrode103is used as an example, and the second substrate32is disposed on a side of the ground electrode103facing away from the microstrip line101so that the second substrate32can support and protect the phase shifter, and the robustness of the phase shifter can be improved. Further, when the light guiding structure104is prepared, the second substrate32may be used as a carrier, and the ground electrode103, the photo-dielectric layer102, and the microstrip line101are prepared on the second substrate32so that the difficulty of preparing the phase shifter is reduced.

It is to be noted that the preceding embodiments are only examples. In the embodiments, those skilled in the art can set the position of the light guiding structure104according to the actual requirements. For example, the light guiding structure104may also be located on a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103, or a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103and a side of the microstrip line101facing the ground electrode103are both provided with the light guiding structure104so that light is guided into the photo-dielectric layer102. In this manner, the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is controlled to change by light, and thus the phase shift control of the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101is achieved, which is not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the case where the light guiding structure104is located on a side of the microstrip line101facing the ground electrode103is used as an example. As shown inFIG.25, the light guiding structure104may be disposed on a side of the photo-dielectric layer102facing away from the microstrip line101. For example, the light guiding structure104is an optical fiber or a light guiding plate disposed on a side of the photo-dielectric layer102facing away from the microstrip line101.FIG.26is a partial sectional diagram of another phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.26, the light guiding structure104may also be disposed on a side of the photo-dielectric layer102facing the microstrip line101. For example, the light guiding structure104is an optical fiber or a light guiding plate disposed on a side of the photo-dielectric layer102facing the microstrip line101, which is not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure.

Based on the preceding embodiment,FIG.27is a partial sectional diagram of another phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.27, in the case where the light guiding structure104is located on a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103is used as an example, and the second substrate32is disposed on a side of the ground electrode103facing away from the microstrip line101so that the second substrate32can support and protect the phase shifter and improve the robustness of the phase shifter. Moreover, when the light guiding structure104is prepared, the first substrate31may be used as a carrier, and the microstrip line101and the photo-dielectric layer102are prepared on the first substrate31; the second substrate32may be used as a carrier, and the ground electrode103is prepared on the second substrate32; and then the first substrate31and the second substrate32are bonded together so that the phase shifter is formed. In this manner, the difficulty of preparing the phase shifter is further prepared.

With continued reference toFIGS.3-4,6-8,11,14,16,18,22, and25-26, in an embodiment, the thickness of the photo-dielectric layer102is H1, where 0<H1≤1 mm.

As shown inFIGS.3-4,6-8,11,14,16,18,22, and25-26, if the thickness H1of the photo-dielectric layer102is too great, the loss of the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101in the photo-dielectric layer102is increased. Therefore, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the thickness H1of the photo-dielectric layer102is configured to satisfy 0<H1≤1 mm, which is conducive to reducing the loss of the radio frequency signals in the photo-dielectric layer102and improving the transmission efficiency of the radio frequency signals.

With continued reference toFIG.27, in an embodiment, the thickness of the first substrate31is H2, and the thickness of the second substrate32is H3, where 0<H2≤2 mm, and 0<H3≤2 mm.

As shown inFIG.27, if the thickness H2of the first substrate31is too great, the volume of the phase shifter is increased. Therefore, the thickness H2of the first substrate31is configured to satisfy 0<H2≤2 mm, which is conducive to reducing the volume of the phase shifter and thus achieving a miniaturized phase shifter. Similarly, if the thickness H3of the second substrate32is too great, the volume of the phase shifter is increased. Therefore, the thickness H3of the second substrate32is configured to satisfy 0<H3≤2 mm, which is conducive to reducing the volume of the phase shifter and thus achieving a miniaturized phase shifter.

In an embodiment, the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101are high frequency signals, for example, the radio frequency signals are high frequency signals with a frequency greater than or equal to 1 GHz. It is to be understood that the radio frequency signals include but are not limited to the preceding examples.

It is to be noted that those skilled in the art can arbitrarily set the shape of the microstrip line101according to the actual requirements. For example, as shown inFIG.10, the shape of the microstrip line101may be a serpentine shape.FIG.28is a structure diagram of another phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.28, the shape of the microstrip line101may also be W-shaped. In other embodiments, the shape of the microstrip line101may also be U-shaped, a spiral shape, a comb tooth shape, and a shape of a Chinese character “hui” (“”), which is not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure.

With continued reference toFIGS.1and3, it is to be noted that the photo-dielectric layer102may be disposed as an entire layer or may be disposed separately.

In an embodiment, with continued reference toFIGS.1and3, in the case where the phase shifter includes four phase shifting units10is used as an example, and the photo-dielectric layer102is disposed as an entire layer. When the phase shifter is prepared, only the entire layer of the photo-dielectric layer102needs to be prepared and the photo-dielectric layer102does not need to be patterned so that the difficulty of preparing the phase shifter can be reduced.

FIG.29is a structure diagram of another phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.30is a sectional diagram ofFIG.29taken along the K-K′ direction. As shown inFIGS.29and30, in an embodiment, the photo-dielectric layer102may also be disposed only in the area where the microstrip line101is located so that the material of the photo-dielectric layer102can be reduced, which is conducive to reducing the cost of the phase shifter.

The preceding embodiments are only examples. In other embodiments, those skilled in the art can set the position of the photo-dielectric layer102according to the actual requirements as long as it is ensured that the photo-dielectric layer102at least partially overlaps the microstrip line101.

FIG.31is a partial sectional diagram of another phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.31, in an embodiment, the phase shifter provided in embodiments of the present disclosure further includes a base substrate33, and the base substrate33is located between the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103so that the base substrate33can support the phase shifter. Moreover, when the phase shifter is prepared, the ground electrode103may be prepared on a side of the base substrate33, and the photo-dielectric layer102and the microstrip line101may be prepared on the other side of the base substrate33so that the difficulty of preparing the phase shifter can be reduced.

FIG.32is a structure diagram of another phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.33is a sectional diagram ofFIG.32taken along the L-L′ direction. As shown inFIGS.32and33, in an embodiment, the phase shifter provided in embodiments of the present disclosure further includes the base substrate33, and the base substrate33is arranged in the same layer as the photo-dielectric layer102. Specifically, as shown inFIGS.32and33, the base substrate33includes a fourth hollow portion331, and the photo-dielectric layer102is located in the fourth hollow portion331so that the base substrate33is arranged in the same layer as the photo-dielectric layer102. The base substrate33may support the phase shifter, and the base substrate33is arranged in the same layer as the photo-dielectric layer102, which is conducive to reducing the thickness of the phase shifter and thus achieving a miniaturized phase shifter.

Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of the present disclosure also provide an antenna, and the antenna includes the phase shifter described in any embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the antenna provided in embodiments of the present disclosure has the technical effects in the technical solutions of any one of the preceding embodiments, and the same or corresponding structure and the explanation of terms as those in the preceding embodiments will not be repeated here.

FIG.34is a structure diagram of an antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.35is a sectional diagram ofFIG.34taken along the M-M′ direction. As shown inFIGS.34and35, in an embodiment, the antenna provided in embodiments of the present disclosure further includes a light source50, and the light source50is configured to emit light; the light source50includes at least one sub-light-source group501, and the at least one sub-light-source group501corresponds to the at least one phase shifting unit10; the sub-light-source group501includes at least one sub-light-source5011, and the at least one sub-light-source5011corresponds to the at least one light guiding structure104; the at least one light guiding structure104includes a light input opening1045, and each of the at least one sub-light-source5011is disposed at the light input opening1045of a respective one of the at least one light guiding structure104.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS.34and35, the antenna includes the light source50, the light source50is configured to emit light, and the light guiding structure104guides the light emitted by the light source50to introduce the light emitted by the light source50into the photo-dielectric layer102. In this manner, the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is controlled to change by controlling the light intensity or wavelength of the light emitted by the light source50, the phase shift of the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101is performed, and thus the phase shift function of the radio frequency signals is achieved.

With continued reference toFIGS.34and35, the light source50includes at least one sub-light-source group501, and the at least one sub-light-source group501is arranged corresponding to the at least one phase shifting unit10; the sub-light-source group501includes at least one sub-light-source5011, and the at least one sub-light-source5011is arranged corresponding to the at least one light guiding structure104. The number of sub-light-source groups501and sub-light-sources5011may be set according to the actual requirements. For example, as shown inFIG.34, the case where the antenna includes four phase shifting units10and each phase shifting unit10includes two light guiding structures104is used as an example, the sub-light-source groups501and the phase shifting units10are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, and the sub-light-sources5011and the light guiding structures104are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, which is not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure.

With continued reference toFIGS.34and35, the light guiding structure104includes the light input opening1045, and each sub-light-source5011is disposed at the light input opening1045of a respective light guiding structure104so that the light emitted by the sub-light-source5011is guided into the light guiding structure104.

It is to be noted that as for the antenna shown inFIGS.34and35, only the case where the sub-light-source5011is disposed on the side of the antenna is used as an example. In other embodiments, the sub-light-source5011may be disposed on a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the photo-dielectric layer102or may be disposed on a side of the ground electrode103facing away from the photo-dielectric layer102. Those skilled in the art can set the position of the sub-light-source5011according to the actual requirements.

With continued reference toFIGS.34and35, in an embodiment, the light source50further includes a light source control module502, the sub-light-sources5011are all connected to the light source control module502, and the light source control module502is configured to independently control the brightness of the sub-light-sources5011.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS.34and35, the light source control module502is configured to control the brightness of the light emitted by the light source50and thus control the light intensity of the light introduced into the photo-dielectric layer102in the phase shifting unit10so that the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is changed, the phase shift of the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101is performed, and thus the phase shift function of the radio frequency signals is achieved. The light source control module502independently controls the brightness of the sub-light-sources5011so that the phase of the radio frequency signals in each phase shifting unit10can be adjusted differently, and thus the required phase shift function is achieved.

It is to be noted that those skilled in the art can arbitrarily set the light source50according to the actual requirements. For example, the light source50is an LED light bar, which is not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG.36is a partial sectional diagram of an antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIGS.34and36, in an embodiment, the antenna provided in embodiments of the present disclosure further includes a radiation electrode60, and the ground electrode103at least partially overlaps the radiation electrode60.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS.34and36, the radiation electrode60at least partially overlaps the ground electrode103, and the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is controlled to change by controlling the light intensity or wavelength of the light; after the phase shift of the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101is performed, the signals are radiated outward through the radiation electrode60.

It is to be noted that the radiation electrode60at least partially overlaps the ground electrode103, and it is feasible that the radiation electrode60partially overlaps the ground electrode103; or it is feasible that the radiation electrode60is located within the projection of the ground electrode103. It is to be understood that the radiation electrode60at least partially overlaps the ground electrode103, and it is feasible that along the thickness direction of the ground electrode103, the radiation electrode60at least partially overlaps the ground electrode103; or it is feasible that the vertical projection of the radiation electrode60on the plane where the ground electrode103is located at least partially overlaps the ground electrode103.

With continued reference toFIGS.34to36, in an embodiment, the light guiding structure104at least partially overlaps the photo-dielectric layer102, and the light guiding structure104is configured to guide light into the photo-dielectric layer102so that the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is changed, and thus the phase shift control of the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line101is achieved. It is to be understood that the light guiding structure104may partially overlap the photo-dielectric layer102, or the vertical projection of the light guiding structure104in the plane where the photo-dielectric layer102is located is within the photo-dielectric layer102; further, it is feasible that along the thickness direction of the photo-dielectric layer102, the photo-dielectric layer102overlaps the light guiding structure104. Those skilled in the art can set the position of the light guiding structure104according to the actual requirements as long as the light may be guided into the photo-dielectric layer102.

With continued reference toFIGS.34and36, in an embodiment, the phase shifter in the antenna provided in embodiments of the present disclosure further includes the first substrate31, and the first substrate31is located on a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103; the first substrate31includes the first sub-substrate311and the second sub-substrate312, and the second sub-substrate312is located on a side of the first sub-substrate311facing away from the ground electrode103; the light guiding structure104is located on a side of the first sub-substrate311facing away from the ground electrode103. As shown inFIGS.34and36, the light guiding structure104is disposed in the first substrate31. In this manner, the light guiding structure104is located on a side of the microstrip line101facing away from the ground electrode103so that the influence of the light guiding structure104on the thickness of the photo-dielectric layer102can be avoided, and thus the accuracy of the phase shift of the photo-dielectric layer102can be improved.

It is to be noted that as for the antenna shown inFIGS.34and36, only the case where the light guiding structure104is located on a side of the first sub-substrate311facing away from the ground electrode103is used as an example. In other embodiments, the light guiding structure104may also be located on a side of the second sub-substrate312facing the ground electrode103. Those skilled in the art can set the position of the light guiding structure104according to the actual requirements. With continued reference toFIG.36, in an embodiment, the phase shifter further includes the second substrate32, the second substrate32is located on a side of the ground electrode103facing away from the microstrip line101, the radiation electrode60is located on a side of the second substrate32facing away from the microstrip line101, the ground electrode103includes a second hollow portion1031, and the vertical projection of the radiation electrode60on the plane where the ground electrode103is located covers the second hollow portion1031.

Specifically, as shown inFIG.36, the ground electrode103is provided with the second hollow portion1031, the vertical projection of the radiation electrode60on the plane where the ground electrode103is located covers the second hollow portion1031, and the radio frequency signals are transmitted between the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103. After the photo-dielectric layer102between the microstrip line101and the ground electrode103is affected by light, the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is changed, and the phase shift of the radio frequency signals is performed so that the phases of the radio frequency signals are changed. The phase-shifted radio frequency signals are coupled to the radiation electrode60at the second hollow portion1031of the ground electrode103, and the radiation electrode60radiates the signals outward.

It is to be noted that the radiation electrode60is arranged corresponding to the phase shifting unit10. For example, the radiation electrodes60and the phase shifting units10are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, and the radiation electrodes60corresponding to different phase shifting units10are insulated from each other.

FIG.37is a partial sectional diagram of another antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.37, in an embodiment, the second substrate32includes a fourth sub-substrate321and a fifth sub-substrate322; the fourth sub-substrate321is located on a side of the fifth sub-substrate322facing away from the microstrip line101, and the radiation electrode60is located on a side of the fourth sub-substrate321facing away from the fifth sub-substrate322; the ground electrode103is located on a side of the fifth sub-substrate322facing away from the fourth sub-substrate321.

Specifically, as shown inFIG.37, the second substrate32includes the fourth sub-substrate321and the fifth sub-substrate322. When the antenna is prepared, the radiation electrode60may be prepared on a side of the fourth sub-substrate321, the ground electrode103may be prepared on a side of the fifth sub-substrate322, and then the fourth sub-substrate321and the fifth sub-substrate322are bonded together. In this manner, the radiation electrode60and the ground electrode103are respectively located on two sides of the second substrate32, and compared with the second substrate32being a single-layer substrate, the second substrate32is configured to include the fourth sub-substrate321and the fifth sub-substrate322, when the antenna is prepared, a double-sided etching process does not need to be performed on the second substrate32to form the radiation electrode60and the ground electrode103so that the manufacturing difficulty of the antenna can be reduced, which is conducive to reducing the cost of the antenna.

With continued reference toFIGS.34to37, in an embodiment, the phase shifter further includes the second substrate32, and the second substrate32is located on a side of the ground electrode103facing away from the microstrip line101; the antenna further includes a feed network61, and the feed network61is located on a side of the second substrate32facing away from the microstrip line101; the ground electrode103includes a third hollow portion1032, and the vertical projection of the feed network61on the plane where the ground electrode103is located covers the third hollow portion1032.

As shown inFIGS.34to37, the feed network61is configured to transmit the radio frequency signals to each phase shifting unit10. The feed network61may be distributed in an arborescent shape and include multiple branches, and one branch provides the radio frequency signals for one phase shifting unit10. Specifically, the feed network61is located on a side of the second substrate32facing away from the microstrip line101, the ground electrode103includes the third hollow portion1032, and the vertical projection of the feed network61on the plane where the ground electrode103is located covers the third hollow portion1032, and the radio frequency signals transmitted by the feed network61are coupled to the microstrip line101at the third hollow portion1032of the ground electrode103. In this manner, the photo-dielectric layer102is affected by light and thus the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer102is changed so that the phase shift of the radio frequency signals on the microstrip line101is achieved.

FIG.38is a partial sectional diagram of another antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIGS.34and38, in an embodiment, the antenna provided in embodiments of the present disclosure further includes the feed network61, the feed network61and the microstrip line101are arranged in the same layer, and the feed network61is connected to the microstrip line101.

As shown inFIGS.34and38, the feed network61and the microstrip line101are arranged in the same layer, and the feed network61is directly electrically connected to the microstrip line101, compared with the case where the radio frequency signals transmitted by the feed network61are coupled to the microstrip line101through the photo-dielectric layer102, in this technical solution, the feed network61directly transmits the radio frequency signals to the microstrip line101without coupling. In this manner, the loss of the radio frequency signals due to coupling can be avoided so that the antenna insertion loss can be reduced and the performance of the antenna can be improved.

With continued reference toFIGS.36and37, in an embodiment, the antenna further includes a radio frequency signal interface63and a pad64. One end of the radio frequency signal interface63is connected to the feed network61and is fixed by the pad64, and the other end of the radio frequency signal interface63is configured to connect an external circuit such as a high frequency connector.

Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a preparation method of a phase shifter, which is configured to prepare the phase shifter provided in any one of the preceding embodiments. The same or corresponding structure and the explanation of terms as those in the preceding embodiments will not be repeated here.FIG.39is a flowchart of a preparation method of a phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.39, the method includes the steps described below.

In step110, a photo-dielectric layer is provided.

The dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer is changed according to the light. For example, the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer may be controlled to change by controlling the light intensity of the light; or the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer may be controlled to change by controlling the wavelength of the light, which is not limited in this embodiment as long as the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer may be changed.

It is to be noted that embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the material of the photo-dielectric layer, and those skilled in the art can make a selection according to the actual situation as long as the phase shift of radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line may be performed through the photo-dielectric layer to change the phases of the radio frequency signals. In an embodiment, the material of the photo-dielectric layer may include liquid crystal, azo dye, and azo polymer.

In step120, a microstrip line is prepared on a side of the photo-dielectric layer, aground electrode is prepared on a side of the photo-dielectric layer facing away from the microstrip line, and at least one light guiding structure is prepared so that at least one phase shifting unit is formed, where the at least one light guiding structure at least partially overlaps the photo-dielectric layer.

The microstrip line is prepared on a side of the photo-dielectric layer, and the ground electrode is prepared on a side of the photo-dielectric layer facing away from the microstrip line. The microstrip line is configured to transmit the radio frequency signals so that the radio frequency signals may be transmitted in the photo-dielectric layer between the microstrip line and the ground electrode. Due to the change of the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer (the photo-dielectric layer is affected by the light intensity or wavelength of the light and thus the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer is changed), the phase shift of the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line occurs so that the phases of the radio frequency signals are changed and the phase shift function of the radio frequency signals is achieved.

Moreover, at least one light guiding structure is prepared, the at least one light guiding structure at least partially overlaps the photo-dielectric layer, and the light is guided into the photo-dielectric layer so that the dielectric constant of the photo-dielectric layer is changed, and thus the phase shift control of the radio frequency signals transmitted on the microstrip line is achieved.

In an embodiment, before the at least one light guiding structure is prepared, the method further includes the step described below.

A first substrate is provided, and the first substrate includes a first sub-substrate and a second sub-substrate.

The step in which the at least one light guiding structure is prepared includes the steps described below.

A groove is prepared on a side of the first sub-substrate, and a first metal reflective layer is prepared on a side of the groove.

The first metal reflective layer is etched so that a light output opening is formed.

A second metal reflective layer is prepared on a side of the second sub-substrate.

The first sub-substrate and the second sub-substrate are bonded together so that the light guiding structure is formed in the first substrate.

Specifically, the groove is prepared on a side of the first sub-substrate, the groove includes a first top surface and a first sidewall, the first metal reflective layer is formed on a side of the groove, the first metal reflective layer covers the first sidewall, and the first metal reflective layer is etched so that the light output opening is formed and the light is output from the light output opening. The second metal reflective layer is prepared on a side of the second sub-substrate, and the first sub-substrate and the second sub-substrate are bonded together so that the second metal reflective layer covers the first top surface and the light guiding structure is formed in the first substrate. The first substrate includes the first sub-substrate and the second sub-substrate, and the light guiding structure is formed between the first sub-substrate and the second sub-substrate so that the manufacturing difficulty of the light guiding structure is reduced.

In an embodiment, before the at least one light guiding structure is prepared, the method further includes the step described below.

A first substrate is provided, and the first substrate includes a first sub-substrate and a second sub-substrate.

The step in which the at least one light guiding structure is prepared includes the steps described below.

A first metal reflective layer is prepared on a side of the first sub-substrate.

The first metal reflective layer is etched so that a light output opening is formed.

A groove is prepared on a side of the second sub-substrate, and a second metal reflective layer is prepared on a side of the groove.

The first sub-substrate and the second sub-substrate are bonded together so that the light guiding structure is formed in the first substrate.

Specifically, the groove is prepared on a side of the second sub-substrate, the groove includes a second top surface and a second sidewall, the second metal reflective layer is formed on a side of the groove, and the second metal reflective layer covers the second sidewall; the first metal reflective layer is disposed on a side of the first sub-substrate, and the first metal reflective layer is etched so that the light output opening is formed and the light is output from the light output opening. The first sub-substrate and the second sub-substrate are bonded together so that the first metal reflective layer covers the second top surface and the light guiding structure is formed in the first substrate. When the first metal reflective layer is etched, since no groove is provided on the first sub-substrate, the first metal reflective layer is located in the same plane so that the etching process can be implemented easily, which is conducive to improving the etching accuracy. Moreover, the first substrate includes the first sub-substrate and the second sub-substrate, and the light guiding structure is formed between the first sub-substrate and the second sub-substrate so that the manufacturing difficulty of the light guiding structure is reduced.

It is to be noted that the preceding are only preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and the technical principles used therein. It is to be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art can make various apparent modifications, adaptations, and substitutions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, while the present disclosure has been described in detail via the preceding embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the preceding embodiments and may include more equivalent embodiments without departing from the inventive concept of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is determined by the scope of the appended claims.