Analysis of leaky-wave THz antennas based on graphene

In this work we analyze different configurations of graphene-based leaky-wave antennas (LWAs) operating in the low THz range. The performance of a grounded dielectric slab covered with a monolayer graphene sheet and of a grounded substrate-superstrate antenna in which the sheet is placed inside the substrate are discussed in details. Our analysis emphasizes that such leaky-wave-based structures are considerably more efficient than graphene antennas based on the propagation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs). Quantitative results, derived by both ad hoc numerical codes and commercial CAD implementations, reveal us that this increased efficiency is partly paid at the expenses of a reduced reconfigurability of the device. Thus, a trade-off should be established between directivity, efficiency and reconfigurability of such graphene LWAs.