Graphene terahertz leaky-wave antennas

In this chapter, we focus on the recent developments made in the context of graphene THz antennas, especially those exploiting the graphene field effect to reconfigure their radiating features. To this purpose, we first review the electronic properties of graphene in the THz range from both a physical and an engineering perspective. This will serve us to analyze the application of graphene in THz antenna systems on a rigorous theoretical basis. A bird's eye view on the various graphene antennas proposed so far will allow the reader to recognize the benefits and drawbacks of using graphene in place of other materials, as well as to understand the different possible mechanisms of radiation. In this respect, specific attention is devoted to graphene antennas based on either plasmonic or nonplasmonic waves discussing the inherent differences and the relevant radiating properties. Specifically, the accurate design of graphene nonplasmonic leaky-wave antennas is addressed to introduce the reader to a systematic and convenient approach for the design of graphene THz leaky-wave antennas. Finally, the technological constraints dictated by both THz technology and graphene synthesis are thoroughly discussed to highlight the true perspectives of this surprising material in the context of THz antennas.