This book describes and provides design guidelines for antennas that
achieve compactness by using the slot radiator as the fundamental
building block within a periodic array, rather than a phased array. It
provides the basic electromagnetic tools required to design and analyse
these novel antennas, with sample calculations where relevant. The book
presents a focused introduction and valuable insights into the relevant
antenna technology, together with an overview of the main directions in
the evolving technology of compact planar arrays. While the book
discusses the historical evolution of compact array antennas, its main
focus is on summarising the extensive body of literature on compact
antennas. With regard to the now ubiquitous slot radiator, it seeks to
demonstrate how, despite significant antenna size reductions that at
times even seem to defy the laws of physics, desirable radiation pattern
properties can be preserved. This is supported by an examination of
recent advances in frequency selective surfaces and in metamaterials,
which can, if handled correctly, be used to facilitate physics-defying
designs. The book offers a valuable source of information for
communication systems and antenna design engineers, especially thanks to
its overview of trends in compact planar arrays, yet will also be of
interest to students and researchers, as it provides a focused
introduction and insights into this highly relevant antenna technology.
