An experimental study of rectangular microstrip antenna on a curved surface in simulated plasma medium

Abstract

The effect of plasma on the radiation characteristics of rectangular microstrip antenna on curved surface is studied by means of a new plasma simulation technique. The relative refractive index less than unity has been obtained by representing free space with a high dielectric constant sodium chloride powder, and plasma by a medium of lower dielectric constant (air). Wide range of dielectric constants of simulated plasma could be possible with this technique using solid dielectrics instead of liquids. It is observed that when the dimensions of patch are fixed, the resonant frequencies of TM modes are not affected by the curvature. However, radiation patterns are significantly affected.