Microstrip Patch Antenna Gain Enhancement using Near-zero Index Metamaterial Superstrate (NZIM Lens)

In this paper, microstrip patch antenna gain enhancement is achieved by employing near-zero index metamaterial superstrate (NZIM lens) at wireless LAN band. NZIM unit cell is designed based on combination of interdigitated and meander line resonator. The presented NZIM unit cell shows A novel superstrate is matrix of 7×7 NZInear-zero index at 5.2 GHz frequency and negative permeability over 7.6-7.9 GHz. Effective medium parameters are extracted from simulated scattering parameters using Kramers-Kronig relationship. M unit cells improves gain by 2.05 dBi and lessens the HPBW by 34° in E-plane ( θE) and 20° in H-plane ( θH). The proposed NZIM lens over antenna is recommended for wireless application in wireless LAN band.