  A design methodology for planar loaded antenna arrays is proposed to
synthesize a perfect anomalous reflection into an arbitrary direction by
optimizing the scattering characteristics of passively loaded array antennas.
It is based on efficient and accurate prediction of the induced current
distribution and the associated scattering for any given set of load
impedances. For a fixed array of finite dimensions, the deflection angles can
be continuously adjusted with proper tuning of each load. We study and develop
anomalous reflectors as semi-finite (finite $\times$ infinite) and finite
planar rectangular arrays comprising printed patches with a subwavelength
spacing. Anomalous reflection into an arbitrary desired angle using purely
reactive loads is numerically and experimentally validated. Owing to the
algebraic nature of load optimization, the design methodology may be applied to
the synthesis of large-scale reflectors of practical significance.
