Multi-functional log-periodic graphene antennas for ultra-wideband systems

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Antenna Theory

Background:

• Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology faces challenges in antenna size, radiation stability, impedance matching, and cost.
• Log-periodic sawtooth planar antennas offer adaptability, compactness, and wideband performance for UWB, with potential for high-gain and multi-band applications.
• Advancements in resonator structures, reconfigurability, and meta-surfaces are crucial for log-periodic antenna relevance, especially for sub-GHz applications complementing 5G networks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and investigate a novel toothed log-periodic antenna utilizing graphene for reconfigurable ultra-wideband (UWB) applications.
• To demonstrate dynamic adjustment of antenna bandwidth, radiation pattern, and operating frequency range via DC voltage control of graphene.
• To achieve stable, directional radiation patterns across a wide frequency range for sub-GHz applications.

Main Methods:

• Design of a log-periodic graphene lattice antenna coupled to a 50-ohm feed line.
• Utilizing DC voltage variation to tune the graphene's chemical potential, surface conductivity, and surface impedance.
• Simulation and implementation to analyze antenna performance, including bandwidth, radiation pattern, and frequency range.

Main Results:

• The proposed graphene-based log-periodic antenna operates effectively within the 0.1-1.3 GHz frequency range.
• Dynamic adjustment of DC voltage allows for controllable reconfiguration of the antenna's operational characteristics.
• Stable and directional radiation patterns were achieved across the entire 0.1-1.3 GHz bandwidth at a graphene chemical potential of 1 eV.

Conclusions:

• Graphene-based log-periodic antennas offer a promising solution for reconfigurable UWB systems.
• The proposed voltage-controlled reconfigurability addresses key challenges in UWB antenna design.
• This technology holds potential for future 5G complementary services requiring wideband, stable, and adaptable antennas.