FDTD analysis of microstrip patch antenna covered by plasma

A microstrip inset-fed patch antenna covered by plasma layer is simulated by using the (FD)/sup 2/ TD formulation. Expressions of calculating the coefficients in the electric field update equation for plasma are presented in detail. Computational examples illustrate that the resonant frequency of the patch antenna covered by plasma layer is changed. The curves presented may be useful when introducing appropriate corrections in the design of the microstrip patch antennas that are subjected to a plasma environment.