Publication

Abstract : This work examines the influence of a concentric inner slot introduced into a conventional square microstrip patch element for high frequency reflectarray applications. Two element configurations are evaluated on a Rogers RT Duroid 5880 substrate, with patches of identical outer size that include a centered square slot in small and large apertures. Full wave simulations in CST Microwave Studio are performed from 10.7 to 11.7 GHz under an infinite periodic boundary model. The slot increases the usable reflection phase range from 310° to 342° while preserving the monotonic dispersion required for single layer phase compensation. The enhancement arises from reduced capacitive coupling between the slotted region and the surrounding conductor, which also improves return loss. The proposed slot loaded element provides a broader dynamic phase range and better bandwidth without added fabrication complexity, making it a practical alternative to plain square patches for compact Ku band reflectarrays.