Waveguide and/or antenna structures for use in RADAR sensor assemblies and the like. In some embodiments, an antenna module may comprise a waveguide and an antenna structure, such as one or more slots/slits operably coupled with the waveguide groove. The antenna structure may be positioned and configured to deliver electromagnetic radiation from the waveguide therethrough. A plurality of tapering surfaces may be formed along the antenna structure. Each of the plurality of tapering surfaces may be formed so as to alternate between opposing sides of the antenna structure and be spaced apart from each adjacent tapering surface of the plurality of tapering surfaces.

A steerable, high-power microwave antenna includes: a forward-traveling, leaky-wave feed antenna; a trans-reflecting conical-sectional reflector disposed spaced-apart and above said leaky-wave feed antenna and having a conical surface facing said leaky-wave feed antenna and formed of a plurality of electrical conductors held in parallel order in a grill; and a twist-reflector pivotally mounted opposite and spaced-apart from said conical surface of said trans-reflecting conical-sectional reflector. The twist-reflector is adapted to receive microwave energy reflected to it from said conical surface of said trans-reflecting conical-sectional reflector and to rotate the polarization of said microwave energy and reflect said microwave energy back to said trans-reflecting conical-sectional reflector for passing through said trans-reflecting conical-sectional reflector and forming a narrow, pencil-like beam of high energy radiation in polarized form extending outward from said conical surface of said trans-reflecting conical-sectional reflector.

A steerable, high-power microwave antenna includes: a forward-traveling, leaky-wave feed antenna; a trans-reflecting conical-sectional reflector disposed spaced-apart and above said leaky-wave feed antenna and having a conical surface facing said leaky-wave feed antenna and formed of a plurality of electrical conductors held in parallel order in a grill; and a twist-reflector pivotally mounted opposite and spaced-apart from said conical surface of said trans-reflecting conical-sectional reflector. The twist-reflector is adapted to receive microwave energy reflected to it from said conical surface of said trans-reflecting conical-sectional reflector and to rotate the polarization of said microwave energy and reflect said microwave energy back to said trans-reflecting conical-sectional reflector for passing through said trans-reflecting conical-sectional reflector and forming a narrow, pencil-like beam of high energy radiation in polarized form extending outward from said conical surface of said trans-reflecting conical-sectional reflector.

A slot array antenna where slots are arrayed in two directions is provided for suppressing occurrence of side lobes. An antenna includes a radiation waveguide part and stubs. The radiation waveguide part has two sheets of metal plates facing each other and outwardly radiates a radio wave from a plurality of slots formed in one of the metal plates. Each stub is arranged for every slot to extend inward of the radiation waveguide part from the face where the slots are formed, and changes a transmission mode of the radio wave within the radiation waveguide part. The slots are narrow and arranged at fixed intervals in both a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction of the slots. The stub is disposed for every slot, on either side of the slot in the lateral direction. Between the adjacent slots, the stubs are disposed on the opposite sides in the lateral direction.

A slot array antenna where slots are arrayed in two directions is provided for suppressing occurrence of side lobes. An antenna includes a radiation waveguide part and stubs. The radiation waveguide part has two sheets of metal plates facing each other and outwardly radiates a radio wave from a plurality of slots formed in one of the metal plates. Each stub is arranged for every slot to extend inward of the radiation waveguide part from the face where the slots are formed, and changes a transmission mode of the radio wave within the radiation waveguide part. The slots are narrow and arranged at fixed intervals in both a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction of the slots. The stub is disposed for every slot, on either side of the slot in the lateral direction. Between the adjacent slots, the stubs are disposed on the opposite sides in the lateral direction.

A TFT substrate includes a dielectric substrate and a plurality of antenna unit regions arranged on the dielectric substrate. Each of the plurality of antenna unit regions includes a TFT, a patch electrode electrically connected to a drain electrode of the TFT, and a patch drain connection section electrically connecting the drain electrode to the patch electrode, and the patch drain connection section includes a conductive portion included in a conductive layer, the conductive layer being closer to the dielectric substrate than a conductive layer including the patch electrode and being either one of a conductive layer including a gate electrode of the TFT or a conductive layer including a source electrode of TFT, the either one being closer to the dielectric substrate than the other.

A TFT substrate includes a dielectric substrate and a plurality of antenna unit regions arranged on the dielectric substrate. Each of the plurality of antenna unit regions includes a TFT, a patch electrode electrically connected to a drain electrode of the TFT, and a patch drain connection section electrically connecting the drain electrode to the patch electrode, and the patch drain connection section includes a conductive portion included in a conductive layer, the conductive layer being closer to the dielectric substrate than a conductive layer including the patch electrode and being either one of a conductive layer including a gate electrode of the TFT or a conductive layer including a source electrode of TFT, the either one being closer to the dielectric substrate than the other.

A transmission line RF applicator apparatus and method for coupling RF power to a plasma in a plasma chamber. The apparatus comprises two conductors, one of which has a plurality of apertures. In one aspect, apertures in different portions of the conductor have different sizes, spacing or orientations. In another aspect, adjacent apertures at successive longitudinal positions are offset along the transverse dimension. In another aspect, the apparatus comprises an inner conductor and one or two outer conductors. The main portion of each of the one or two outer conductors includes a plurality of apertures that extend between an inner surface and an outer surface of the outer conductor.

A transmission line RF applicator apparatus and method for coupling RF power to a plasma in a plasma chamber. The apparatus comprises two conductors, one of which has a plurality of apertures. In one aspect, apertures in different portions of the conductor have different sizes, spacing or orientations. In another aspect, adjacent apertures at successive longitudinal positions are offset along the transverse dimension. In another aspect, the apparatus comprises an inner conductor and one or two outer conductors. The main portion of each of the one or two outer conductors includes a plurality of apertures that extend between an inner surface and an outer surface of the outer conductor.

A device for receiving and re-radiating electromagnetic signals. The device includes at least a waveguide with a first set of slot radiators for receiving electromagnetic signals, and a second set of slot radiators for transmitting electromagnetic signals generated on the basis of the received electromagnetic signals in the waveguide. The first set of slot radiators includes one or more slot radiators, and the second set of slot radiators includes one or more slot radiators. The device also relates to a method for receiving and re-radiating electromagnetic signals by a device including at least a waveguide, and the use of the device as a repeater of electromagnetic signals, for transferring electromagnetic signals through a structure, and/or as a building product.