Recent advances in transparent reflectarray antennas

Abbasi, Muhammad Inam and Kamarudin, Muhammad Ramlee and Ahmed Mugheri, Altaf and Mohd Ibrahim, Imran and Kiani, Saad Hassan and Dahri, Muhammad Hashim and Kamarudin, Muhammad Ramlee and Shamsan, Zaid Ahmed and Abbasi, Qammer Hussain (2025) Recent advances in transparent reflectarray antennas. IEEE Access, 13. pp. 161541-161572. ISSN 2169-3536

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Abstract

Transparent Reflectarray Antennas (TRAs) have emerged as a promising solution for next-generation communication systems requiring both electromagnetic performance and optical transparency. This review focuses on a detailed latest work on unit cell design innovations, material engineering, and performance optimization across microwave, millimeter-wave, and terahertz frequency bands. Key developments include the use of fine metal lines (FML), frequency selective surfaces, indium tin oxides (ITO) films, and liquid crystal-based reconfigurable structures to achieve wide phase tuning, low reflection loss, and high transmittance. Various fabrication techniques, such as photolithography on quartz and soda-lime glass substrates, have enabled lightweight and high-efficiency RA structures suitable for integration into smart windows, satellite platforms, and 6G communication devices. Additionally, transparent beam-steering mechanisms using anisotropic liquid crystal (LC) materials and metallic mesh frameworks demonstrate the feasibility of dynamic control while maintaining optical clarity. The paper also discusses current challenges—such as optical loss, material limitations, and fabrication complexity—and outlines future directions aimed at enhancing bandwidth, reconfigurability, and multifunctional performance of TRAs

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Transparent reflectarray antenna, Transparent materials, Mm-wave, Frequency selective surfaces.
Divisions:	Faculty Of Electronics And Computer Technology And Engineering
Depositing User:	Norfaradilla Idayu Ab. Ghafar
Date Deposited:	13 Apr 2026 08:00
Last Modified:	13 Apr 2026 08:00
URI:	http://eprints.utem.edu.my/id/eprint/29641
Statistic Details:	View Download Statistic

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