Reflectarray element based on strip-loaded dielectric resonator antenna

A new low-loss reflectarray element based on a dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) loaded with a metallic strip etched on the top of the DRA is presented. The strip behaves as a parasitic element, and by adjusting its length, the desired reflected phase is achieved. A set of DRA samples were fabricated and measured in C-band. A low loss (less than 0.9 dB) is demonstrated when the phase is varied. It is also shown that the loss is much higher (up to 5 dB) when the strip is directly printed on a dielectric substrate with the same characteristics.