This book presents
original findings on tunable microwave metamaterial structures, and describes
the theoretical and practical issues involved in the design of metamaterial
devices. Special emphasis is given to tunable elements and their advantages in
terms of feeding network simplification. Different biasing schemes and feeding
network topologies are presented, together with extensive prototype
measurements and simulations. The book describes a novel, unique solution for
beam steering and beam forming applications, and thus paves the way for the
diffusion of new agile communication system components. At the same time, it
provides readers with an outstanding and timely review of wave propagation in
periodic structures, tunability of metamaterials and the technological
constraints that need to be considered in the design of reconfigurable
microwave components.