Design of Non-Uniform Metasurface-Based Phased-Array Antenna for Grating Lobes Mitigation

Samuel Nsimba Lubanzu; Dominic Bernard Onyango Konditi; Philip Kibet Langat

doi:10.48084/etasr.13471

Authors

Samuel Nsimba Lubanzu Department of Electrical Engineering (Telecommunication Option), Pan African University, Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI), Nairobi, Kenya
Dominic Bernard Onyango Konditi School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Technical University of Kenya (TUK), Nairobi, Kenya
Philip Kibet Langat Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya

Volume: 15 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 30493-30500 | December 2025 | https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.13471

Received: 17 July 2025 | Revised: 18 August 2025 | Accepted: 2 September 2025 | Online: 8 December 2025

Corresponding author: Samuel Nsimba Lubanzu

Abstract

Grating lobes pose significant limitations to antenna array directivity and radiation efficiency, affecting the performance of wireless communication systems. This paper introduces a novel 2 × 2 phased microstrip patch antenna array integrated with a non-uniform metasurface acting as a Partially Reflective Surface (PRS) for grating lobe suppression. The non-uniform metasurface, composed of 11 × 11 unit cells, is placed above the array to form a Fabry–Perot Cavity (FPC), enabling constructive interference in the main beam direction and attenuation of undesired lobes. The non-uniform metasurface design, inspired by current-density tapering, offers a novel approach to grating-lobe problems. With an element spacing of 1.04 at 12.5 GHz, rigorous design optimization shows Grating Lobe Levels (GLLs) of -20.22 dB and peak gain increases from 10.3 dB to 19.1 dB, highlighting the design's effectiveness. This design offers a simple, low-profile solution for 5G base stations, radar, and satellite applications.

Keywords:

non-uniform metasurface, grating-lobe suppression, current-density taper, 5G applications

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