Design of metamaterial loaded microstrip patch antenna array

Abstract

Rectangular patch antenna is a commonly used antenna for the microwave ranges. It is easily manufactured and has been studied thoroughly. But its size cannot be reduced as it is inversely proportional to operating frequency. A smaller antenna would operate in frequencies greater than microwaves. To reduce the size of the antenna without affecting its frequency, a microstrip rectangular patch antenna loaded with metamaterials is designed. Metamaterials have unusual electromagnetic properties, as in at certain frequencies ε or μ is negative. ENG is added to DPS material as a substrate for the design. This thesis designed an array of such metamaterial loaded antenna elements and compared it to the results of a conventional microstrip patch antenna array. All the designs are simulated on CST Microwave Studio software to ensure that they are viable designs.