Microwave studies of leafy vegetation overlaid thick film microstrip annular ring antenna

Abstract

The effect of perturbation (as overlay) by leafy vegetation (leaf and stem) on the frequency response and E and H plane radiation pattern of Ag thick film micro strip annular ring antenna is reported. Using the changes in the frequency response the moisture dependent dielectric constant, dielectric loss and conductivity of leaf and stem of Ficus Bengalensis (FB) and Ficus Relegiosa (FR) have been calculated. The stem part of leafy vegetation has been investigated for the first time using the overlay technique.