Transparent holographic antenna with quasi-one-dimensional structure based on metal mesh.

Abstract

This paper presents a design approach for a transparent antenna with frequency scanning characteristics. To address the design requirement for optical transparency, a quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) surface impedance unit with a square-loop shape is designed using metal mesh. Compared with transparent antennas fabricated using traditional transparent conductive oxide (TCO) materials, the proposed quasi-1D structured transparent holographic metasurface antenna (THMA) achieves higher radiation efficiency. A THMA operating at a center frequency of 17 GHz with a 50×50 element array (8.5<i>λ</i> ×8.5<i>λ</i>, where <i>λ</i> is the free-space wavelength at 17 GHz) was fabricated and tested. Experimental results indicate that the antenna exhibits frequency-scanning characteristics over the 15∼19 GHz frequency range, with a beam scanning range of -10° to 10°. The measured optical transmittance of the prototype exceeds 74%. The proposed THMA holds significant potential for applications in autonomous driving, wearable devices, and 6G communication systems.