electronics

Article
Designing a Water-Immersed Rectangular Horn
Antenna for Generating Underwater OAM Waves
Yang Yang 1 , Zhanliang Wang 1 , Shaomeng Wang 1 , Qing Zhou 2 , Fei Shen 3 , Haibo Jiang 4 ,
Zhe Wu 1 , Baoqing Zeng 1 , Zhongyi Guo 3,5, * and Yubin Gong 1, *
1 National Key Lab on Vacuum Electronics, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China,
Chengdu 610054, China; yangyang_19930129@163.com (Y.Y.); wangzl@uestc.edu.cn (Z.W.);
wangsm@ntu.edu.sg (S.W.); zhewu@uestc.edu.cn (Z.W.); bqzeng@uestc.edu.cn (B.Z.)
2 Hebei Key Laboratory of Compact Fusion, Langfang 056000, China; ZQ901126@126.com
3 School of Electrical Engineering & Intelligentization, Dongguan University of Technology,
Dongguan 523808, China; shenfei@hfut.edu.cn
4 Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; jianghb@cib.ac.cn
5 School of Computer and Information, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
* Correspondence: guozhongyi@hfut.edu.cn (Z.G.); ybgong@uestc.edu.cn (Y.G.);
Tel.: +86-186-5515-1981 (Z.G.); +86-138-0803-6055 (Y.G.)




Received: 4 October 2019; Accepted: 25 October 2019; Published: 26 October 2019


Abstract: In order to extend the applications of vortex waves, we propose a water-immersed

rectangular horn antenna array for generating underwater vortex waves carrying the orbital angular
momentum (OAM). Firstly, a single dielectric-loaded rectangular horn antenna with the central
frequency of 2.6 GHz was designed for generating underwater electromagnetic (EM) waves. Due to
the supplementing dielectric-loaded waveguide in this single antenna, the problems with difficult
sealing and fixation of the feed probe could be solved effectively. The simulation results show that
it has a good impedance characteristics (S11 < −10 dB) and reasonable losses (less than 3.5 dB total
for two antennas and a coaxial line) from 2.5 GHz to 2.7 GHz. Experiments on the single antenna
were also carried out, which agree well with the simulations. Based on the designed single antenna,
the water-immersed rectangular horn antenna array was proposed, and the phase gradient from
0~2π was fed to the horn antennas for generating underwater OAM waves. The simulation results
demonstrate high fidelity of the generated OAM waves from the intensity and phase distributions.
The purity of the generated OAM modes was also investigated and further verifies the high fidelity
of the generated OAM waves. The generated high-quality OAM waves meet the requirements for
underwater applications of OAM, such as underwater communication and underwater imaging.

Keywords: water-immersed; orbital angular momentum (OAM); rectangular horn antenna

array; dielectric-loaded

1. Introduction
As is well known, vortex waves carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) have a rotating
phase factor of eilθ , where θ is the azimuth angle, and l is an integer number called “topological
charge”, which corresponds to the order of the OAM modes. Since the quantum characteristics of
the OAM states were first discovered by Allen [1] in 1992, the OAM-carrying beam has attracted
lots of attention. Then, in 2007, a uniform circular array with a successive phase shift was proposed
to generate OAM beams in the radio frequency domain [2]. After that, studies of OAM were
introduced into the radio frequency domain. In fact, OAM can provide rotational degrees of freedom
to the electromagnetic (EM) field, which would be advantageous for manipulating particles [3–5],

Electronics 2019, 8, 1224; doi:10.3390/electronics8111224 www.mdpi.com/journal/electronics

Electronics 2019, 8, 1224 2 of 11

quantum information processing [6], communication systems [7–10], and imaging systems [11–13].
Especially in communication and imaging systems, the different orthogonal OAM states can span a
Hilbert space of infinite dimensions, providing a novel degree of freedom to increase communication
capacity and to improve imaging resolution, respectively.
In order to utilize the OAM in the radio domain, one should first generate the vortex waves
carrying OAM. There are numerous generation methods of OAM-carrying waves in the radio
domain [14]: antenna array [8,15,16], microstrip patch antenna [17,18], spiral phase plate (SPP) [19],
spiral antennas [20–22], slot antennas [23], cylinder dielectric resonator antennas [24], horn lens
antennas [25], and so on. Unfortunately, due to the impedance mismatch between the antenna and
coaxial line of 50 Ω, the underwater vortex waves cannot be generated by all of these structures
efficiently, which prohibits the underwater applications of OAM, such as underwater communication
and underwater imaging. Recently, two types of double-ridge horn antennas [26,27] have been
reported to generate underwater EM waves. With the water-filled coaxial line impedance structure,
the double-ridge horn antenna in [26] can generate underwater EM waves while the horn antenna
in [27] realizes the same function by designing a double-ridge curve. However, there exists a problem
of difficult sealing in both antennas, resulting in the short circuit of the coaxial cable, so that it cannot
emit EM waves effectively. Moreover, horn [28], several resonant [29,30] and travelling wave [31]-type
antennas have been proposed for breast imaging systems, but they cannot all work well in water.
Therefore, it is necessary to investigate an alternative approach with a better seal for generating
underwater EM waves efficiently.
In this paper we describe the design and testing of a single water-immersed rectangular horn
antenna, which can generate underwater EM waves. By introducing a dielectric-loaded waveguide in
this antenna, the sealing problem of the antenna can be solved, while the established position and
length of the feed probe can be ensured, so the frequency offset can be reduced to a certain extent.
The experimental results of a single antenna are consistent with the simulation ones. Based on the
above single antenna, we designed and simulated a water-immersed OAM rectangular horn antenna
array. Through simulations, the high-fidelity vortex fields with the OAM modes of l = 0, 1, 2, 3 can
be generated efficiently in a far field, and meanwhile, we obtained the purity of these OAM modes
from the vortex field distributions. The whole paper is organized as follows: Firstly, the reasons for
the proposed antenna and antenna array are introduced. Then, the single antenna is designed, and
simulated, and the measured results are demonstrated in the second section. Based on the single
antenna, the OAM-generating antenna array is simulated in the third section. Finally, some useful
conclusions are provided.

2. Single Antenna
In this section, we discuss the design of a dielectric-loaded single horn antenna for generating
underwater EM waves, and its simulation is carried out with a computer simulation technology (CST)
microwave studio [32]. In order to calculate the loss of the antenna in deionized water, a box filled
with deionized water was selected to replace the air box, while the background medium was set as the
water. The open boundaries (PML) were set to the six faces of the water box to simulate the infinite
space. Moreover, the waveguide port was used to feed the antenna at the bottom of the coaxial line.
The structure of the designed single antenna is presented in Figure 1. The waveguide of the
horn antenna was filled with a higher relative dielectric constant ceramic medium to solve the sealing
problem under the premise of ensuring impedance matching. As is well known, the ceramics medium
is hard and crumbly, so it cannot be used in a patch antenna. Of course, the dielectric-loaded parabolic
antenna has a larger structure, which is not suitable for the relevant applications of underwater EM
waves. Moreover, across the frequency range of 2.5–2.7 GHz, the relative dielectric constant of Zr O2
is almost equal to 36, while the loss tangent is a low constant, from which the medium Zr O2 can be
regarded as a non-dispersive material for impedance matching but with lower loss.
 waveguide and feed probe need to be optimized, and the values of the optimized parameters are
listed in Table 1. With these optimized parameters, the radiation pattern of the designed antenna will
keep stable and optimized as well. In addition, a horn is added to the dielectric-loaded waveguide to
obtain higher gain and better directivity. Therefore, although the loss of water is larger, the radiation
signal 2019,
Electronics from8,the
1224single antenna can transmit for a longer distance in water, which provides enough 3 of 11
distance for the superposition of the radiation signal to produce underwater OAM waves.

Figure 1. 1.The
Figure Thestructure
structureof of the
the single
single designed horn antenna;
designed horn antenna;(a)(a)three
threedimensional
dimensional view,
view, (b)(b)
twotwo
dimensional
dimensionalview
viewof of
thethe
YOZ
YOZ plane,
plane,(c)(c)
two dimensional
two view
dimensional ofof
view the XOZ
the XOZ plane,
plane,and
and(d)
(d)the
thestep-by-step
step-by-
design procedure.
step design procedure.

The medium facilitates

Table the coaxial
1. The main parameterssealing
and theat interface 1 between
corresponding values the coaxial
of the singleline and the waveguide,
antenna.
as shown in the red circle in Figure 1b. With the Zr O2 medium filling in the waveguide, only the sealing
at interface 2 (blue circle in FigureParameters1b,c) between the horn Values (mm)
and the waveguide is necessary, which can
h1 20
be easily realized compared to that at interface 1. In addition, the origin is only selected at the center of
h2 28
interface 2. Another benefit of the zirconium oxide (Zr O2 ) medium is that the established position and
a 11.15
length of the probe can be ensured, so the frequency offset can be reduced to a certain extent.
b 8
Furthermore, the impedance calculation of the rectangular waveguide with coaxial excitation
p 20
should strictly follow the reported method q
[33], and a step-by-step
16
design procedure is provided in
Figure 1d. Based on the reported conclusions [28], in order to increase the bandwidth, the relative
dielectric
A constant
coaxial line of the ceramic
with medium should
a characteristic impedancebe reduced,
of 50 Ω butwas
the aperture of the antenna
placed perpendicular toshould
the
be rectangular
increased, which
waveguide for exciting the transverse electric zero one (TE01) mode microwave signal.the
hinders the miniaturization and related applications of the antenna. Therefore,
relative dielectric
The length of theconstant of the
probe equals theceramic medium
radius of should to
the waveguide bemake
reduced
sureinthea radiation
certain range.
field isDue to the
located
change
at theofcenter
the relative
area. Thedielectric constant
rectangular hornofantenna
the packed was medium,
selected duethe dimensions
to the following of the rectangular
advantages
waveguide
(compared and feed
with probe need
a circular hornto be optimized, and the values of the optimized parameters are listed
antenna):
in Tablei) 1.
Fewer
Withmerger patterns in parameters,
these optimized the rectangularthewaveguide than thatofinthe
radiation pattern thedesigned
circular waveguide:
antenna will there
keep
are fewer
stable merger modes
and optimized in the
as well. rectangular
In addition, waveguide
a horn is addedcompared with that in circular
to the dielectric-loaded waveguide.
waveguide to obtain
higher ii) Simplicity
gain and betterof processing:
directivity.the medium although
Therefore, ZrO2 is a kind
the of
lossceramic
of waterandisitlarger,
is hardthe
andradiation
crumbly,signal
so,
compared to a circular shape, the rectangle is much easier to fabricate.
from the single antenna can transmit for a longer distance in water, which provides enough distance
for the superposition of the radiation signal to produce underwater OAM waves.

Table 1. The main parameters and the corresponding values of the single antenna.

Parameters Values (mm)

h1 20
h2 28
a 11.15
b 8
p 20
q 16

A coaxial line with a characteristic impedance of 50 Ω was placed perpendicular to the rectangular
waveguide for exciting the transverse electric zero one (TE01 ) mode microwave signal. The length of
the probe equals the radius of the waveguide to make sure the radiation field is located at the center
area. The rectangular horn antenna was selected due to the following advantages (compared with a
circular horn antenna):
Electronics 2019, 8, 1224 4 of 11

(i) Fewer merger patterns in the rectangular waveguide than that in the circular waveguide:
there are fewer merger modes in the rectangular waveguide compared with that in circular waveguide.
(ii) Simplicity of processing: the medium Zr O2 is a kind of ceramic and it is hard and crumbly, so,
Electronics 2019, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 11
compared to a circular shape, the rectangle is much easier to fabricate.
(iii)Reliability
iii) Reliabilityofofantenna
antennaarray arrayassembly:
assembly:due duetotothe
thefact
factthat
thatititisiseasier
easiertotoidentify
identifythethedirection
direction
of the
of the rectangular
rectangularhorn hornantenna
antennathan than that
thatof of
thethecircular one,one,
circular it is it
more reliable
is more to generate
reliable OAM waves
to generate OAM
by the rectangular horn antenna
waves by the rectangular horn antenna array. array.
To measureS11
To measure S11ofof
thethesingle antenna
single and Sand
antenna 21 between the twothe
S21 between antennas, a set of swept
two antennas, transmission
a set of swept
transmission loss measurements were implemented. As shown in Figure 2a, the tested antennas at
loss measurements were implemented. As shown in Figure 2a, the tested antennas were placed the
were
center of a 40 cm × 24 cm × 35 cm glass tank at a depth of 15 cm, and the
placed at the center of a 40 cm × 24 cm × 35 cm glass tank at a depth of 15 cm, and the tank was filledtank was filled with deionized
waterdeionized
with whose permittivity
water whose is 78.4, loss tangent
permittivity is 78.4, is 0.125 and conductivity
loss tangent is 0.125 andisconductivity
1.42 S/m respectively
is 1.42 S/m at
2.6 GHz. Due to the large loss of water and the adequate space of the tank,
respectively at 2.6 GHz. Due to the large loss of water and the adequate space of the tank, noises and noises and most reflected
waves
most can be waves
reflected absorbed,can so it can be regarded
be absorbed, so it can be as regarded
an infinite asspace that is
an infinite also that
space called an “anechoic
is also called an
environment”. Two antennas were fixed by two aluminum alloy supports,
"anechoic environment". Two antennas were fixed by two aluminum alloy supports, and there was and there was an adjustable
clamp
an at the end
adjustable clampof at
thethesupport
end of to thefixsupport
the antenna. A set
to fix the of measurements
antenna. were taken were
A set of measurements to measure
taken
themeasure
to power patterns
the power of patterns
this antenna, of thisasantenna,
shown in asFigure
shown2b. Due to 2b.
in Figure theDuelargetotransmission loss of the
the large transmission
wave
loss ofinthewater,
waveitinwas necessary
water, to utilize an
it was necessary amplifier
to utilize with a 20 with
an amplifier dB gaina 20for
dBamplifying the received
gain for amplifying the
signal. The energy of the radiation signal received by another
received signal. The energy of the radiation signal received by another antenna will decrease antenna will decrease as theasangle
the
increases.
angle If theIfangle
increases. is large
the angle enough,
is large enough,the received
the receivedsignal will will
signal be toobe small to be
too small toextracted
be extractedfrom the
from
noise. The schematic maps corresponding to the experimental setups
the noise. The schematic maps corresponding to the experimental setups in Figure 2a,b are presented in Figure 2a,b are presented in
Figure
in Figure 2c,d, respectively.
2c,d, respectively.

Figure
Figure 2.
2. The
The experimental
experimentalconfigurations
configurationsof
of antenna
antenna transmission
transmission measurements
measurements(a) (a) and
and antenna
antenna
pattern
pattern measurements (b). The schematic maps (c) and (d) correspond to the experimentalsetups
measurements (b). The schematic maps (c) and (d) correspond to the experimental setupsin
in
(a)
(a) and
and (b).
(b).

Figure3a
Figure 3ademonstrates
demonstratesthe thecomparisons
comparisons S11Sof
ofof of the
11 the single
single antenna
antenna S21 ofS21
and and two ofantennas
two antennas
with
awith a distance
distance of 0.5
of 0.5 cm cm submerged
submerged in deionized
in deionized water between
water between the experimental
the experimental and simulated
and simulated results.
results.
The The experimental
experimental results results of S11
of S11 are are lower
lower than than the simulation
the simulation onesones
duedue
to to thedifferent
the differentabsorbed
absorbed
energies by
energies by deionized
deionized water
water and
and some
some machining
machining errors.
errors. The
Theboxboxin
inthe
thesimulation,
simulation,whenwhencalculating
calculating
SS2121, ,was
wasfilled
filledwith
withdeionized
deionizedwater,
water, which
which is
is characterized
characterized by by the
the Debye
Debye first
first model.
model. The
The relative
relative
dielectric constants of water from 2.5 GHz to 2.7 GHz in simulation can be found
dielectric constants of water from 2.5 GHz to 2.7 GHz in simulation can be found in Figure 3b [34]. in Figure 3b [34].
In
In addition,
addition, S21 S 21 depends
depends on the
on the total
total energy
energy (P)(P)
of of
thethe signal
signal fed
fed intothe
into theantenna
antennaatatport
portone
oneand
andthe
the
measured energy
measured energySSofof thethe
signal by the
signal by receiving antenna
the receiving at portattwo.
antenna portFurthermore, S can be calculated
two. Furthermore, S can be
by Equation (1):
calculated by Equation (1):
S ≈ P−R−L (1)
S ≈ P−R−L (1)
where R depending on S11 represents the total reflection energy of the antenna, and L is the absorption
loss by water. Here, 𝑃 is considered to be the same in the simulation and experiment. L is larger than
R due to the large absorption loss of the wave by water and the good impedance characteristics. In
other words, R can be ignored when calculating S. Therefore, although the experimental and
wave in water is about 23.3 dB (6.1 cm). Therefore, the combined loss from both antennas and coaxial
lines is 0.7 dB at 2.6 GHz. Even at the higher frequency of 2.7 GHz (S21 is about −26.8 dB), the total
loss was only 3.5 dB, which is still acceptable. Moreover, S21, with different distances between the big
mouths of the two antennas, is shown in Figure 3c. The loss of water is relatively large, and the water
with different
Electronics 2019, 8, conductivities
1224 may have larger differences in the loss values. Although there are5 of few
11
differences between simulated and measured data in Figure 3c, they still have the same change trend,
which can be another verification of the above conclusion. The value of S21 with a distance of 50 mm
where
is higherR depending
than −50 dB, S11 represents
onwhich thedetected
can still be total reflection energy
by a vector of the analyzer
network antenna, and L is demonstrating
(VNA), the absorption
loss by water. Here, P
the fact that the antenna can radiate at least 50 mm in water. In addition, the values oflarger
is considered to be the same in the simulation and experiment. L is R
thanthe
S21 with
due to theoflarge
distance 5 mm absorption
and 50 loss
mm of the wave
between bytwo
the water and the were
antennas good about
impedance characteristics.
−25 dB and −45 dB In inother
[26],
words, R can be ignored when calculating S. Therefore, although the experimental and
respectively, which agree well with that of our proposed work, as well as the value of S21 (about −35 simulated S11
do not agree very well, the experimental
dB) with the distance of 20 mm between the S may be very close
21 two antennas in [27].to the simulation one.

3. (a) S11
Figure 3. 11 of
of the single antenna and S2121 of
of the
the two
two antennas
antennas in water; (b) the relative dielectric
constant of water from 2.5 GHzGHz to
to 2.7
2.7 GHz
GHz using
using first
first Debye
Debye mode;
mode; (c)
(c)simulated
simulated and
and measured
measured SS2121

different distances
with different distances between
between two
two antennas;
antennas; (d) measured
measured and simulated power patterns in the E
and H plane at 2.6 GHz.

S 21 is0 about
The −24.17
dBm input dB atfrom
signal 2.6 GHz, and the concrete
the microwave powertransmission
source is firstloss (382 dB/m
amplified at 3byGHz)
20 dB of the
the power
wave in water
amplifier, andisitabout
then 23.3 dB (6.1
arrives at the cm). Therefore, the
transmitting combined
antenna. The loss from both
radiation fieldantennas and coaxial
by the transmitting
lines is 0.7
antenna is dB at 2.6
finally GHz. Even
received at the higher
by another antenna frequency of 2.7 GHz
and measured by an(S21 is about
Agilent −26.8 dB),
N1913A power themeter
total
loss was only 3.5 dB, which is still acceptable.
(Keysight, Santa Rosa, CA, USA). In this process, the combinedMoreover, S 21 , with different distances between
loss of all the coaxial lines is about the big3
mouths of the twothe
dB. By changing antennas,
angle ofisrotating
shown in Figure 3c. The
displacement loss
table andof water is relatively
adjusting the antennalarge,orientation,
and the water the
with different conductivities may have larger differences in the loss values.
power patterns in the E and H plane at 2.6 GHz with the distance of 5 cm between the big mouths of Although there are few
differences
the two antennasbetween cansimulated
be obtained,and as measured
shown in data in Figure
Figure 3d. The 3c,3they still have
dB angular the same
width in thechange
E planetrend,
and
which
H plane canare beabout
another verification
13 degrees andof15.5 thedegrees,
above conclusion.
respectively,Thewhich of S21 with a distance
value demonstrates of 50 mm is
good directionality
higher
of this than
antenna.−50 dB, which canthe
Subtracting still
20bedB detected
gain ofby thea vector network
amplifier, analyzerthe
and adding (VNA),
3 dB demonstrating
loss of the coaxial the
fact
line,that
33 dBthetransmission
antenna can radiate
loss (5 at
cm) least
and50the
mm40indB water. In addition,
absorption thewater
loss of values of Scm),
(10.6 21 with
thethe distance
gain of the
of 5 mm is
antenna and 50 mm
about 13.5between the two antennas
dB at 0 degrees. were about
The corresponding −25 dB and
simulated −45patterns
power dB in [26],
arerespectively,
also shown
which
in Figureagree 3d,well withare
which thatconsistent
of our proposedwith the work, as well as ones
experimental the value
to a of S21 (about
certain extent,−35anddB)the
with the
small
distance
differences of 20
may mm between
come two antennas
from the different inwater
loss of [27]. in the simulation and experiment, the influence
The 0 dBm input signal from the microwave
of the experimental devices, and the measured errors. power source is first amplified 20 dB by the power
amplifier, and it then arrives at the transmitting antenna. The radiation field by the transmitting
antenna
3. Antenna is finally
array received by another antenna and measured by an Agilent N1913A power meter
(Keysight, Santa Rosa, CA, USA). In this process, the combined loss of all the coaxial lines is about 3 dB.
By changing the angle of rotating displacement table and adjusting the antenna orientation, the power
patterns in the E and H plane at 2.6 GHz with the distance of 5 cm between the big mouths of the two
antennas can be obtained, as shown in Figure 3d. The 3 dB angular width in the E plane and H plane
are about 13 degrees and 15.5 degrees, respectively, which demonstrates good directionality of this
antenna. Subtracting the 20 dB gain of the amplifier, and adding the 3 dB loss of the coaxial line, 33 dB
transmission loss (5 cm) and the 40 dB absorption loss of water (10.6 cm), the gain of the antenna is
Electronics 2019, 8, 1224 6 of 11

about 13.5 dB at 0 degrees. The corresponding simulated power patterns are also shown in Figure 3d,
which are consistent with the experimental ones to a certain extent, and the small differences may come
from the different loss of water in the simulation and experiment, the influence of the experimental
devices, and the measured errors.
Electronics 2019, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 11
3. Antenna Array
As the approach based on the phased uniform array is very flexible and easily controlled, it is
As for
suitable theOAM-generation
approach based on the phased
in water. Baseduniform arraydesigned
on the above is very flexible and easily
single antenna, ancontrolled,
OAM antenna it is
suitable for OAM-generation in water. Based on the above
array is put forward for generating underwater vortex waves in this section.designed single antenna, an OAM antenna
arrayThe
is put forwardconfigurations
schematic for generatingfor underwater vortex wavessystem
the OAM-generating in this are
section.
shown in Figure 4a. The RF
The schematic configurations for the OAM-generating
signal coming from the VNA is first amplified by an amplifier. Then system are shownthe in Figure 4a.signal
amplified The RFis
signal coming from the VNA is first amplified by an amplifier. Then the amplified
transmitted into the eight-way power divider and the eight-way phase shifter to feed the antenna signal is transmitted
into the
array eight-way power
accordingly. divider and
The received the by
signal eight-way phase shifter
the receiving antennato feed the antenna
is finally savedarray
on aaccordingly.
computer
The received signal by the receiving antenna is finally saved on a
through the VNA. The model of the array is shown in Figure 4b. The N antennas are computer through the VNA. Thelocated
model
of the array is shown in Figure 4b. The N antennas are located equidistantly
equidistantly around the perimeter of the circle and are fed with a phase difference between each around the perimeter
of the circle
element 𝛿∅ and are fed
2𝜋𝑙/𝑁, with a𝑙 phase
where denotes difference
the OAM between
modes. each
Theelement δ∅ = of
phase shifts 2πl/N,
eightwhere l denotes
antennas with
different OAM states are shown in Table 2. The radius of this concentric circle is set as 56 mm,Table
the OAM modes. The phase shifts of eight antennas with different OAM states are shown in while2.
Thecenter
the radiusfrequency
of this concentric circleThe
is 2.6 GHz. is set as 56antenna
single mm, while the center
is linearly frequency
polarized is 2.6
in the GHz. Theso
X-direction, single
the
antenna is linearly polarized in the X-direction, so the feed coaxial line of eight
feed coaxial line of eight elements is placed in the same direction to generate the linear-polarizationelements is placed in
the same
OAM wave. direction to generate the linear-polarization OAM wave.

Figure
Figure 4.
4. (a)
(a)Schematic
Schematicconfiguration
configurationfor forgenerating
generating OAM
OAM beams
beams in
in water;
water; (b)
(b) geometry
geometry of
of the
the OAM
OAM
horn
horn antenna
antenna array; (c) SS1111ofofeight
array; (c) eightelements;
elements;(d)
(d)SSparameters
parametersbetween
betweenthe
thefirst
firstelement
elementand
andthe
theothers.
others.

The SS1111ofofeight
The eightused
used antenna
antenna elements
elements areare shown
shown in Figure
in Figure 4c, 4c,
from from
whichwhich
we we
can can see that
see that the
the water-immersed rectangular horn antenna array performs very well
water-immersed rectangular horn antenna array performs very well in the frequency range of 2.55–in the frequency range of
2.55–2.68
2.68 GHz. GHz. In addition,
In addition, the S11 the S11 antenna
of any of any antenna
is almostis the
almost
samethe
assame as the which
the others, others,means
whichthere
means is
there consistency
good is good consistency
among among the antenna
the antenna array elements.
array elements. The presented
The presented S parameters
S parameters between
between the
the first
first element
element and theandothers,
the others, as depicted
as depicted in Figure
in Figure 4d,allare
4d, are below 115−115
all below dB, which
dB, which demonstrates
demonstrates the
the fact
factless
of of less coupling
coupling among
among the the eight
eight used
used elements.
elements. Therefore,
Therefore, thethe
farfar fieldofofeach
field eachelement
elementcan
can bebe
superimposed to
superimposed to produce
produce aa linearly
linearly polarized vortex field.

Table 2. The phase shifts of eight antennas with different OAM states.

Phase shift OAM states

(degree)
l=0 l=1 l=2 l=3
Antenna
1 0 0 0 0
2 0 45 90 135
Electronics 2019, 8, 1224 7 of 11

Table 2. The phase shifts of eight antennas with different OAM states.

Phase Shift (Degree) OAM States

Antenna l=0 l=1 l=2 l=3
1 0 0 0 0
2 0 45 90 135
3 0 90 180 270
4 0 135 270 45
5 0 180 0 180
6 0 225 90 315
7 0 270 180 90
8 0 315 270 225

For a detection point P(r, θ, ∅) in the far field, the electric field E(r) can be found from [15,35].
Based on the electric field E(r), the array factor can be found in [16,35], as shown by:

f (θ, φ) ≈ mr ·eilφ Jl (k g a sin θ) (2)

where mr is a constant related to r, ∅ is the azimuth angle, k g is the wave vector in water, l indicates
the OAM mode, called the “topological charge”, Jl represents the lth order Bessel function of the
first kind, a is the radius of the array and θ is the angle between k g and the propagation direction z.
The array factor f (θ, ∅) not only can describe the distribution of normalized intensity patterns and
phase patterns of the different OAM modes, but can also be utilized to replace the electric field E(r)
when calculating the purity of OAM waves. Moreover, it is easy and efficient due to its simple form.
The intensities and the phase distributions of the different generated OAM waves can be obtained
from the far field distribution, as depicted in Figure 5. The selected plane has the scale of 40.4 mm
× 40.4 mm at z = 200 mm, and the minimum value of cos θ is 0.9899, from which the propagation
distance z can be approximated as r. Therefore, the array factor can be read from the CST on one plane
with the determined value of z. From Figure 5, it can be seen that the phase reference point rotates as
∅ increases, and the values of the phase change can match the orders of the OAM wave in one turn
very well. The intensity distributions of the four modes fit the corresponding Bessel function intensity
distributions. Both the phase and intensity distributions demonstrate the super performance of the
designed rectangular horn antenna array.
In order to further prove the simulated intensity and phase distributions of generated
OAM-carrying waves, we also carried out the simulations by HFSS software, and the corresponding
results were obtained and are displayed in Figure 6. It can be seen that these simulated results
are consistent with that of the CST, which further verifies the effectiveness of our designs and also
demonstrates the correctness of the simulation results.
Meanwhile, in order to show the purity of OAM waves in Figure 5, the mode decomposition is
carried out by means of Fourier transform of the field distribution on a circle corresponding to the
magnitude maximum [36], as shown in Figure 7a–d, where m is from −3 to 3. Assuming N points on
the same circle are selected to calculate the purity of OAM waves, the azimuth spectrum wm could be
obtained and expressed as follows:
PN−1
En ·e−imφn
=0
wm = PN−1 nP 3
(3)
−imφn
n=0 m=−3 En ·e

where En is the electric field of the nth point, ∅n is the theoretical azimuth of the standard vortex field
at the location of the nth point.
 demonstrate the super performance of the designed rectangular horn antenna array.
In order to further prove the simulated intensity and phase distributions of generated OAM-
carrying waves, we also carried out the simulations by HFSS software, and the corresponding results
were obtained and are displayed in Figure 6. It can be seen that these simulated results are consistent
with that of the CST, which further verifies the effectiveness of our designs and also demonstrates
Electronics 2019, 8, 1224 8 of 11
the correctness of the simulation results.

Figure5.5.Normalized
Figure Normalizedintensity
intensityandand phase
phase distributions
distributions of generated
of generated OAM-carrying
OAM-carrying waves.
waves. (a) (b)
(a) and and
l=
(b)0.l (c)
= 0.and andl =(d)
(c) (d) 1. l(e)
= 1.and
(e)(f)
andl =(f)
2. l(g) and
= 2. (g)(h)
andl =(h)
3. lThe
= 3.horizontal axis isaxis
The horizontal X∈ (−20.2 mm, 20.2
is X∈ (−20.2 mm,mm),
20.2
Electronics
while 2019,
the 8, x FOR axis
vertical PEERisREVIEW
Y∈ (−20.2 8 of 11
mm), while the vertical axis is Y∈mm,(−20.2 20.2
mm,mm).
20.2 mm).

Figure6.6.Normalized
Figure Normalizedintensity
intensityand
andphase
phasedistributions
distributionsof ofgenerated
generatedOAM-carrying
OAM-carryingwaves wavesby byANSYS
ANSYS
HFSS.(a)
HFSS. (a)and (b) ll = 0.
and (b) 0. (c)
(c)and (d)l l= =1.1.
and(d) (e)(e)
andand l = l2.=(g)
(f)(f) 2. and (h) l(h)
(g) and = 3. horizontal
= 3.l The axis isaxis
The horizontal X∈ is
(−20.2
X∈
mm, 20.2
(−20.2 mm,mm), while while
20.2 mm), the vertical axis isaxis
the vertical Y∈ (−20.2 mm, 20.2
is Y∈ (−20.2 mm,mm).
20.2 mm).

The generatedinOAM
Meanwhile, ordermode
to showof m = purity
the 1 shows ofaOAMhigh fidelity
waves in toFigure
the design,
5, theasmode
shown in Figure 5c,d.
decomposition is
The mode decomposition result is demonstrated in Figure 6b, and the energy
carried out by means of Fourier transform of the field distribution on a circle corresponding to thein the OAM mode of m
=magnitude
1 clearly dominates,
maximum with a proportion
[36], as above 7(a–d),
shown in Figure 90%, whichwhereis m 30istimes
fromabove
−3 to 3.the secondary
Assuming N mode,
points
showing a good
on the same performance
circle are selected of the antenna array.
to calculate the purityThe remaining
of OAM waves, OAM modes mode m =𝑤0
(OAMspectrum
the azimuth
in Figure
could be 5a,b, m = and
obtained 2 in expressed
Figure 5e,fas and m = 3 in Figure 5g,h) are similar to the OAM mode of m = 1,
follows:
as shown in Figure 6a,c,d, respectively.

N −1
Figure 7e–h also show the field intensity distributions E e−imφn (along the radial direction) wm of the
n =0 n
wm =the points (3)
 
different OAM modes at 2.6 GHz, where N −1 3of ∅ = 0− im were
φn selected to calculate wm , and w
n =0
E n  e
m =−3 results
m
equals array factor f in theory. Therefore, the simulation were compared with the results from
numerical
where 𝐸 calculations to make
is the electric field ofsure
thethey
𝑛 are consistent.
point, ∅ is the It theoretical
can be seenazimuth
that the lines
of thematch
standardthe center
vortex
area
fieldvery well.
at the However,
location of thedue𝑛 topoint.
the edge effect of the OAM wave, there are small differences at the
edge. The
Thisgenerated
phenomenon OAM can be attributed
mode to the increasing
of m = 1 shows a high fidelitydifference
to the between
design, as z and
shown r with increasing
in Figure 5c,d.
θ, and the difference between two lines will also increase in theory, but it
The mode decomposition result is demonstrated in Figure 6b, and the energy in the OAM mode of mcan be accepted totally.
= 1 clearly dominates, with a proportion above 90%, which is 30 times above the secondary mode,
showing a good performance of the antenna array. The remaining OAM modes (OAM mode m = 0 in
Figure 5a,b, m = 2 in Figure 5e,f and m = 3 in Figure 5g,h) are similar to the OAM mode of m = 1, as
shown in Figure 6a,c,d, respectively.
Figure 7e–h also show the field intensity distributions (along the radial direction) 𝑤 of the
different OAM modes at 2.6 GHz, where the points of ∅ 0 were selected to calculate 𝑤 , and 𝑤
equals array factor 𝑓 in theory. Therefore, the simulation results were compared with the results
from numerical calculations to make sure they are consistent. It can be seen that the lines match the
center area very well. However, due to the edge effect of the OAM wave, there are small differences
at the edge. This phenomenon can be attributed to the increasing difference between 𝑧 and 𝑟 with
Electronics 2019, 8, 1224 9 of 11
Electronics 2019, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 11

Figure
Figure7.7.Mode
Modedecomposition
decomposition of of the
the different
different OAM modes at
OAM modes at 2.6
2.6 GHz. (a) ll =
GHz. (a) = 0, (b) ll == 1,
0, (b) (c) ll ==22and
1, (c) and
(d)ll==3.3.Field
(d) Fieldintensity
intensitydistributions
distributions(along (alongthe theradial
radialdirection)
direction)ofofthetheCST
CSTsimulation
simulationand andnumerical
numerical
calculation
calculationat at2.6
2.6GHz. (e)l l==0,0,(f)
GHz.(e) (f)l l==1,1,(g)
(g)l =l =
2 and
2 and(h)(h) = 3.
l =l 3.

4.4.Conclusion
Conclusions
Inthis
In thispaper,
paper,thetheexperiment
experimentof ofthe
thedielectric-loaded
dielectric-loadedrectangular
rectangularhorn
hornantenna
antennawaswasinvestigated,
investigated,
which works
which works atat2.62.6
GHz GHz in water. The experimental
in water. The experimentalresultsresults
show that
showthisthat
antenna
this has good impedance
antenna has good
characteristics (S
impedance characteristics
11 < −10 dB) and reasonable losses (less than 3.5 dB total for two antennas
(S11 < −10 dB) and reasonable losses (less than 3.5 dB total for two antennas and the
coaxial
and line) from
the coaxial line)2.5from
GHz2.5 toGHz
2.7 GHz.
to 2.7 A water-immersed
GHz. A water-immersedOAM OAMrectangular horn antenna
rectangular horn antennaarray,
working at 2.6 GHz, was also proposed to realize the OAM wave radiation
array, working at 2.6 GHz, was also proposed to realize the OAM wave radiation in a water in a water environment
based on the above
environment based single
on theantenna. Fromantenna.
above single the obtained
Fromphase and intensity
the obtained phasedistributions
and intensity of distributions
the generated
OAM
of waves with
the generated OAMdifferent
wavesmodes, it can be modes,
with different indicated it that theindicated
can be designedthatantenna array works
the designed very
antenna
well at 2.6 GHz, which was also further proved by analyzing the purity of the
array works very well at 2.6 GHz, which was also further proved by analyzing the purity of the generated OAM waves.
The OAMOAM
generated waveswaves.
can radiate far enough
The OAM wavestocan meet the requirements
radiate far enough tofor future
meet the underwater
requirements applications
for future
underwater applications of OAM, such as underwater communication and underwater imaging and
of OAM, such as underwater communication and underwater imaging for biological tissues for
vegetable rhizomes.
biological tissues andInvegetable
future, werhizomes.
will try toIn generate
future, wideband
we will tryunderwater
to generate OAM waves underwater
wideband and to apply
the generated
OAM waves and OAM wavesthe
to apply to generated
the concrete OAMunderwater
waves toapplications.
the concrete underwater applications.
Author
AuthorContributions:
Contributions:conceptualization,
Conceptualization, Y.Y.
Y.Y.and
andS.W.;
S.W.;methodology,
methodology,Y.Y.Y.Y.and
andZ.W.
Z.W.(Zhe
(ZheWu);
Wu);software,
software,Y.Y.
Y.Y.
andJ.B.;
and H.J.;formal
formalanalysis,
analysis,F.S.
F.S.and
andB.Z.;
B.Z.;experiment,
experiment,Y.Y.Y.Y.and
andZ.W.
Z.W. (Zhanliang
(Zhanliang Wang),
Wang), writing—original
writing—original draft
draft
preparation, Y.Y.;
preparation, Y.Y.; writing—review
writing—reviewand andediting,
editing,Z.G.
Z.G.and
andQ.Z.;
Q.Z.;supervision, Y.G.;
supervision, funding
Y.G.; acquisition,
funding Z.G.Z.G.
acquisition, andand
Y.G.
Y.G.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Acknowledgments:
Funding: This researchThis work was
received supported
no external by National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) (Grant
funding.
Nos. 61531010, 61775050); Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (PA2019GDZC0098).
Acknowledgments: This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) (Grant
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Nos. 61531010, 61775050); Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (PA2019GDZC0098).

Conflicts
Referencesof Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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