Accession Number:

ADA361779

Title:

Antenna Gain Enhancement Using a Photonic Band Gap Reflector

Descriptive Note:

Master's thesis

Corporate Author:

AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSONAFB OH SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Personal Author(s):

• Schloer, Karl C.

Report Date:

1999-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

119.0

Abstract:

Scientists have long known that periodic structures can filter electromagnetic EM waves. In the last decade, extension of one- and two-dimensionally periodic structures into a third periodic dimension has produced photonic band gap PBG structures. A PBG structure is characterized by its omnidirectional stop band at a set of frequencies determined by the structures periodicity and permittivity. In the present research, we investigate such a structure as an antenna reflector. We aim to develop a modeling approach that provides accurate computations of PBG behavior without relying on massively parallel processing. We also construct and measure the bulk reflection and transmission properties of a PBG structure, then use it as a planar reflector for a two-arm spiral antenna. We measure the same antennas radiation properties when mounted above an absorber loaded cavity and a conducting ground plane to determine whether the PBG reflector provides gain enhancement. This comparison of a PBG reflectors performance against standard mounts for a practically useful broadband antenna is unique in PBG research.

Descriptors:

• *PHOTONICS
• *SPIRAL ANTENNAS
• *ANTENNA RADIATION PATTERNS
• FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
• THESES
• ENERGY GAPS
• ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE PROPAGATION
• ENERGY BANDS
• ANTENNA ARRAYS
• REFLECTORS
• BROADBAND ANTENNAS
• OMNIDIRECTIONAL
• HIGH GAIN

Subject Categories:

• Electrical and Electronic Equipment
• Radiofrequency Wave Propagation

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE