In a significant stride for wireless energy transfer and communication technologies, researchers have developed a novel antenna design that promises enhanced directivity and efficiency. The study, led by Ludovica Tognolatti from the Department of Industrial, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering at Roma Tre University in Rome, Italy, introduces an Electromagnetic Band-Gap (EBG) leaky-wave antenna (LWA) operating in the K-band, a frequency range crucial for high-data-rate communications and energy transfer applications.
The research, published in the IEEE Open Journal of Antennas and Propagation, details a meticulous design process that combines the analysis of Bloch waves within two-dimensional EBG structures and the properties of bound and leaky modes in transversely open lattice waveguides. This approach allows for precise control over the antenna’s radiation characteristics, resulting in improved performance.
“Our design leverages the unique properties of EBG structures to achieve broadside directivity, which is essential for applications requiring precise energy focusing and high-efficiency data transmission,” Tognolatti explained. The prototype, consisting of a 7×8 array of alumina cylinders positioned above a ground plane and supported by two vertical metal plates, was fed by two counterphase monopoles connected through a rat-race hybrid junction. The measurements confirmed the model’s accuracy, showing a broadside directivity of 12.8 dBi and a return loss of 24 dB at 24.6 GHz.
The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly for the energy sector. As wireless power transfer (WPT) technologies gain traction, the need for efficient and directional antennas becomes paramount. The K-band, with its high-frequency capabilities, is increasingly being explored for WPT applications, making this antenna design particularly relevant.
“This work not only advances our understanding of leaky-wave antennas but also paves the way for more efficient and targeted energy transfer systems,” Tognolatti noted. The design’s success in the K-band also opens doors for future developments in high-frequency communication systems, including 5G and beyond.
The study’s rigorous methodology and experimental validation provide a robust foundation for further research. As the energy sector continues to evolve, innovations like this EBG leaky-wave antenna could play a crucial role in shaping the future of wireless energy transfer and high-frequency communication technologies. The research was supported by the project PRIN 2017 WPT4WID under grant 2017YJE9XK005, highlighting the importance of academic and industrial collaboration in driving technological advancements.