Notch-Filtering Leaky-Wave Antenna with Wide-Angle Beam Scanning Characteristics for Sensing Networks

This paper presents the design procedure, parametric studies, and experimental validation of a novel leaky-wave antenna (LWA) tailored for sensing networks. The antenna features a 1-D periodic structure with 19 magnetoelectric dipole (ME-dipole) unit cells, enabling continuous wide-angle beam scanning across two passband segments separated by the existing communication band (i.e., n261). By utilizing both the fundamental and -1st space harmonic modes, the LWA achieves seamless beam scanning. A natural closed stopband (CSB) forms between these modes due to the Bragg effect, providing a notch-filtering capability to eliminate interference with the communication band. Experimental results demonstrate wide beam scanning from 17° to 47.4° in the passband 1 (23.5–24.5 GHz) and from -66° to 25° in the passband 2 (31–43 GHz), achieving a total scanning angle of 113.4°. The antenna exhibits a maximum gain of 14.8 dBi, with stable gain performance across the scanning range, with the CSB providing notch-filtering and acceptable out-of-band rejection. This proposed ME-dipole-based LWA offers an effective solution for sensing networks, combining wide-angle beam scanning with reliable interference mitigation. © 2026 IEEE.