EBG structures as PMC sidewalls in parallel plate slot antennas

Abstract

Electromagnetic BandGap (EBG) structures have unique properties in controlling the propagation of electromagnetic waves, which enable them to be implemented in a number of applications. In this work we analyse the effect of EBG sidewalls, first in a parallel plate waveguide and as practical application in parallel plate slot antennas. These structures present some interesting properties that may overcome some of the problems of conventional technologies. Recently, several EBG struc tures have been proposed and demonstrated to be useful in enhancing performances of microwave circuits or antennas. We use these novel structures to realize a perfect magnetic conductor (PMC) surface artificially. The results of the effect using PMC in comparison with perfect electric conductor (PEC) in the sidewalls of the parallel plate slot antennas is presented as examples of application. Using PMC sidewalls in this kind of antennas, relatively uniform field distributions are improved, so it allows to increase the directivity to enhance the efficiency of these antennas.