An RF beam steering device according to present invention embodiments
employs a prism assembly to steer an RF beam. The prism assembly includes
a plurality of dielectric prisms each with an associated impedance
matching layer. The dielectric prisms are rotated relative to each other
to steer the RF beam. The prisms include a plurality of individual panels
with drilled or slotted openings that are arranged to create a periodic
photonic crystal structure within a defined region. This configuration
effectively alters the dielectric constant over any one particular region
of a panel, thereby altering the level of diffraction possible for a
specified panel thickness. The openings within each stacked panel are
overlapped to produce the required level of diffraction and refractive
index gradient. Motors rotate the prisms relative to each other to the
correct orientation for steering the RF beam in a desired manner.