Unveiling New IoT Antenna Developments: Planar Multibeam Metasurface Half-Maxwell Fish-Eye Lens with Wavelength Etching

Abstract

This study introduces a groundbreaking antenna system, the directive Metasurface Half-Maxwell Fish-Eye (MHMF) lens antenna, tailored specifically for Internet-of-Things (IoT) networks. Designed to operate at 60 GHz, this antenna ingeniously integrates a dipole antenna within a parallel-plate waveguide to illuminate a Half-Maxwell Fish-Eye (HMFE) lens. The HMFE lens serves as a focal point, enabling a crucial high gain for IoT operations. The integration of metasurface structures facilitates the attainment of the gradient refractive index essential for the lens surface. By employing commercial Ansys HFSS software, extensive numerical simulations were conducted to meticulously refine the design, focusing particularly on optimizing the dimensions of unit cells, notably the modified H-shaped cells within the parallel waveguides housing the beam launchers. A functional prototype of the antenna was constructed using a standard PCB manufacturing process. Rigorous testing in an anechoic chamber confirmed the functionality of these manufactured devices, with the experimental results closely aligning with the simulated findings. Far-field measurements have further confirmed the effectiveness of the antenna, establishing it as a high-gain antenna solution suitable for IoT applications. Specifically, it operates effectively within the 60 GHz range of the electromagnetic spectrum, which is crucial for ensuring reliable communication in IoT devices. The directive HMFE lens antenna represents a significant advancement in enhancing IoT connectivity and capabilities. Leveraging innovative design concepts and metasurface technology, it heralds a new era of adaptable and efficient IoT systems.