Abstract
ABSTRACTIn this article, a wideband near-zero-index metamaterial (NZIM) unit cell, for gain improvement of a broadband microstrip fractal patch antenna is proposed and designed. The near-zero refractive index characteristics of metamaterial superstrate is used, which gathers the radiated waves from the source antenna and collimates them toward the normal direction. The reference fractal patch antenna operates at a relatively wide frequency range covering from 2.38 to 3.61 GHz, corresponding to a 40% fractional bandwidth. In order to effectively enhance the broadside gain of the antenna, a proposed unit cell is optimized using invasive weed optimization (IWO) algorithm to have the widest bandwidth at the required frequency band, in which the refractive index is less than unity (approaches zero). A prototype of the antenna was fabricated and tested. Measured results are in good agreement with the simulation. The measured −10 dB relative impedance bandwidth for the loaded antenna with NZIM is found to be 31%. The maximum measured broadside gain is about 3.1 dB higher than that of the reference antenna without NZIM, which corresponds to 86% aperture efficiency.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
