A zero index metamaterial single layer superstrate for patch antenna gain enhancement

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to use a zero refractive index n metamaterial as single layer superstrate suspended above a microstrip patch antenna (MPA), operating at 43 GHz, for the gain enhancement. The single metamaterial layer superstrate is composed of a periodic arrangement of Jerusalem cross unit-cells, and behaves as an homogeneous medium characterized by a refractive index close to zero. This metamaterial low index property allows gathering radiated waves from the antenna and collimates them towards the superstrate normal direction. The proposed design improves the antenna gain by 5.1 dB.