A Dual-Polarized Reconfigurable Folded Transmitarray With Beam-Scanning Capabilities

This study presents a reconfigurable folded transmitarray(RFTA) capable of dual-polarization beam scanning in both the azimuthand elevation planes. A wideband fan-cross-shaped (FCS) unit cellwhich constitutes the reconfigurable transmitarray (RTA), separates thepolarization and phase control layers, exhibiting high cross-polarizationisolation and enabling polarization selection (PS), polarization conversion,and phase modulation. The bias lines are elaborately designed to ensurethat the control lines for both polarizations are located on the same layer,thus significantly reducing the design complexity. Subsequently, a wheel-rudder-shaped reflective unit cell is developed to form a dual-polarizedreflectarray (DPRA) with phase control capabilities, replacing traditionalpolarization-selective surfaces. The three components of the dual-polarized RFTA (DPRFTA)—DPRTA, DPRA, and feed—are fabricated,assembled, and measured. The array aperture size is 4.91λ₀ × 4.91λ₀,with an H/D ratio of 0.17, and the profile height is one-third that ofconventional RTAs. Simulation and measurement results confirm thatthe proposed DPRFTA can achieve beam steering of ±60◦, with a peakgain of 16.85 dBi and an aperture efficiency of 16%. The proposedDPRFTA integrates key technologies, including folded structure, dual-polarization operation, and electronic reconfiguration, demonstrating abroad application prospect in modern communication and radar systems.