Optimizing Dielectric Rod Antenna Performance with Spoof Surface Plasmon Polariton-Based Feeding Method

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetics and Wave Propagation
• Antenna Theory and Design
• Materials Science for RF Applications

Background:

• Traditional antenna feeding mechanisms face limitations in the extremely high-frequency (EHF) range.
• Spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) offer a potential solution for efficient wave propagation and antenna feeding.
• Dielectric rod antennas are widely used but require optimized feeding for high-frequency performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate SSPPs as an effective feeding mechanism for antennas in the EHF range.
• To propose and analyze a novel, simple dielectric rod antenna fed by SSPPs using FR-4 material.
• To evaluate the antenna's gain, impedance matching, and radiation characteristics at EHF.

Main Methods:

• A novel antenna feeding configuration utilizing SSPPs was designed and simulated.
• The antenna was constructed using FR-4 material with a relative permittivity of 4.3.
• CST Microwave Studio was employed for electromagnetic simulations to validate performance.

Main Results:

• The proposed antenna design achieved a significant gain of up to 16.85 dBi.
• Optimal impedance matching and directional radiation characteristics were obtained at 7.3 GHz.
• The design demonstrated improved impedance bandwidth and utilized cost-effective FR-4 material.

Conclusions:

• SSPPs provide a promising feeding mechanism for EHF antennas, offering high gain and efficiency.
• The novel FR-4 dielectric rod antenna design is suitable for future wireless communication technologies.
• The feeder's remote sensing capabilities open avenues for applications like concealed object detection and material analysis.