Graphene-based terahertz antenna with polarization reconfiguration

Abstract

This article presents the design of a terahertz antenna with the ability to reconfigure its polarization using graphene’s anisotropic properties. By applying a DC magnetic flux, the graphene conductivity tensor can be transformed into a non-diagonal tensor. Conversely, the magnetic bias can be switched off to revert the tensor to a diagonal state. This approach allows the antenna to switch between linear and circular polarizations, making it highly versatile for terahertz applications. Additionally, by altering the direction of the applied DC magnetic bias, one can select the rotation direction of circular polarization between left and right hand. The feeding line and ground plane of the antenna are made of silver metal, and its behavior in the terahertz band is described using the Modified Relaxation-Effect model, which is more accurate than the skin effect model for this band. The finite element numerical method is utilized to analyze the antenna, which yields results consistent with the design predictions. The antenna’s impedance bandwidth spans 2.8 to 3.22 terahertz for linear polarization and 2.9 to 3.18 THz for circular polarization. The antenna’s maximum gain is 6 dB for linear polarization and 5 dB for circular polarization. The axial ratio for circular polarization is 1.36 in the middle of the band, which is below the 3 dB threshold for circular polarization. The antenna produces directive patterns for both linear and circular polarizations. The key innovation of this antenna design lies in its unique utilization of a magnetostatic field to achieve reconfiguration in the terahertz graphene dielectric resonator antenna, a method that has not been previously documented in literature.