Gain and Directivity enhancement of microstrip patch antenna using metamaterial superstrate containing rectangular split ring resonators

Abstract

In this work a compact high gain, high directivity and large bandwidth microstrip patch antenna incorporated with left-handed material is designed, simulated and fabricated in x band for use in space applications. First a rectangular microstrip patch antenna is designed which operates at 9.97 GHz. Microstrip patch antenna has several disadvantages like low gain, low bandwidth and low directivity. A metamaterial inspired superstrate layer above the microstrip patch antenna is inserted to increase these parameters. The metamaterial inspired superstrate layer consists of array (5x5) of two rectangular split ring resonators on the top of that layer. The split rings resonator works a metamaterial which improves the performances of conventional antenna. The superstrate acts as a lens which convergences all the electromagnetic radiation coming from the patch and increases the radiations. The metamaterial properties are verified. This antenna is design in HFSS.