Reconstructions of effective parameters for a metamaterial antenna via 3D-printed components

Abstract

This study presents the reconstruction of effective medium parameters for a double negative metamaterial slab from the knowledge of the measured/simulated S-matrix. The structure initially has been designed to embed into a patch antenna for a radar application. To observe the medium characteristics, we locate the slab in a rectangular waveguide for various orientations. The waveguide-based retrieval method is applied to find parameters regarding the biaxial anisotropic medium. Fundamental mode is used for the excitation. Additive printing technology is employed to manufacture a rectangular waveguide and its adapters for the experiments. The metallization is achieved by coating the printed structures with conductive thin layers. Experimental setups for each orientation are simulated as well. We illustrate good agreements between simulation and measurements under the fabrication tolerances. The feasibility and applicability of the additive printing technology for the investigations of the metamaterial anisotropic/bianisotropic nature is reported.