mauro ettorre

Exploring the Benefits of Long Slot Arrays for Next-Generation Communications Networks and Beyond

High-speed wireless networks will leverage the abundant bandwidth available in the sub- and millimeter frequency ranges, mainly through XG systems and New Space technologies. Wideband arrays are key technologies for fully leveraging these wide bandwidths and establishing efficient data links for mobile users. In this context, long slot arrays and, in general, connected arrays, are very attractive solutions, offering decade-wide bandwidths, a large field of view, and a low-profile design. During this presentation, I will discuss the modeling of long slot arrays and highlight their advantages in terms of bandwidth and scanning capabilities, as well as their physical implementation. We will also discuss how thinned connected array solutions may be implemented without affecting the radiation properties of such antennas. We will explore how quasi-optical planar systems can be utilized to feed these arrays, thereby minimizing the losses and costs associated with beamforming networks for arrays operating at higher frequencies, while maintaining the flexibility of the radiating unit. We will also cover the implementation of long slot arrays across various technologies, particularly in millimeter and sub-millimeter frequency bands, aimed at next communications networks. Finally, I will demonstrate the capability of these arrays to radiate short, high-power pulses, thereby extending their applications to high-power scenarios.

Mauro Ettorre received a Laurea degree “summa cum laude” in Electrical Engineering and a Ph.D. degree in Electromagnetics from the University of Siena, Italy, in 2004 and 2008, respectively. Part of his Ph.D. work was developed at the TNO, the Netherlands. Since 2023, he has been a Professor at Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA. Previously, he was a Research Scientist at the CNRS, IETR laboratory in France. From 2014 until 2020, he co-led the multi-beam antenna activity for satellite applications in the joint laboratory between IETR and Thales Alenia Space, France. From 2016 until 2021, he led the mm and sub-mm waves team at IETR, and co-chaired from 2021 to 2023 the department ADH (Antennas and Microwave Devices Department) at IETR. Dr. Ettorre’s research interests include the analysis and design of quasi-optical systems, periodic structures, wideband arrays, millimeter-wave antennas, non-diffractive radiation, and localized waves. He has authored over 97 journal papers and 250 conference communications and holds 14 patents (2 licensed) on millimeter-wave antenna technology. Dr. Ettorre is a Fellow of IEEE. From 2017 until 2023, he served as Associate Editor for the IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation. Since 2023, he has served as Track Editor for the same journal. He currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine. Dr. Ettorre is the 2024 IEEE MTT-S and AP-S Inter-Society Distinguished Lecturer. The research activities of Dr. Ettorre have been recognized with several prizes, including the 2009 French Ministry of Research award for the most innovative project in all natural sciences, the Young Investigator Award from the French National Research Agency in 2014, the Innovation Award at the 2018 ESA Antenna Workshop in the Netherlands, the Best Paper ‎Award in Electromagnetics and Antenna Theory at EuCAP 2018, UK, the Best Antennas Paper Award at EuCAP 2021, Germany and Best Paper Award at the iWAT 2023, Denmark.