Left handed metamaterial incorporate with microstrip antenna array design and analysis

Abstract

This paper describes and analyzes a new structure of left-handed metamaterial (LHM) which consists of a modified square rectangular split ring (MSRR) and a capacitance loaded strip (CLS) used to obtain LHM structure. Simulation and analysis was done using Computer Simulation Technology (CST) software. Parametric studies on the LHM structure were carried out and the effect of frequency and the range of negative value of permeability (-µr) and the negative permittivity (-ur) were observed. The changes in the dimension of MSSR and CLS affect the S11 and S21 of the LHM structure and thus affect the value of permeability and the permittivity. The value of permeability and the permittivity was extracted from the reflection and transmission coefficient data using a Nicolson-Ross-Wier (NRW) approach. Studies proved that the LHM structure can be designed in the frequency range of interest. In order to prove the concept of LHM, an array of LHM is incorporated with a linear polarized 2x2 array patch antenna. The negative refraction index of LHM produces a focusing effect to the radiation of the antenna. Due to this effect, the gain of the antenna increases up to 2 dB and the 3 dB beamwidth becomes narrow.