Improvement of 60 GHz Transparent Patch Antenna Array Performance Through Specific Double-Sided Micrometric Mesh Metal Technology

Abstract

This paper presents the performance of optically transparent 4 × 2 microstrip patch antenna arrays operating at 60 GHz and made from double-sided micrometric mesh metal layers. A high level of optical transparency (higher than 80%) over the entire visible light spectrum coupled with a sheet resistance lower than 0.5 /sq of the mesh metal films are achieved. Microwave performance of the transparent antenna arrays has been performed from two different mesh ground plane patterns and compared with those of an opaque antenna array made of double-sided continuous metal films. A gain value equal to 13.6 dBi at 58.0 GHz has been recorded, against 15.6 dBi at 59.7 GHz for the opaque antenna array. The influence of the mesh structure and mesh parameters of the ground plane is investigated and discussed. INDEX TERMS Micrometric metal mesh, microstrip antenna arrays, millimeter wave antenna, optically transparent antenna.

Transparent Antenna for Green Communication Feature: A Systematic Review on Taxonomy Analysis, Open Challenges, Motivations, Future Directions and Recommendations

“…The third level of taxonomy deals with type of study and applications of the study. According to the literature there are many type of study using conductive metal for transparent antenna like transparent array antennas using polyamide as substrate with silver bus-bar and copper (Cu) for selfpowered wireless systems [63] , or Lexan as substrate highly conductive mesh wire for communication systems [49] , or solar cell as substrate with Aluminum for television, cellular mobile, and Wi-Fi [64] , and with copper (Cu) foils for Kaband [65] , or using a fused quartz substrate with silver layer for microwave application [66] , or fused silica substrate with gold for indoor application [61] , or platinum-cured thermoset silicone with metal alloy Eutectic Gallium Indium (EGaIn) for applications involving microwave to millimeter wave bands [59] , other than that transparent antenna can be as Circuit using a plexiglass substrate with silver ink for 2.45 GHz applications [56] . and can be as Compact and Transparent Antennas using a poly vinyl chloride (PVC) substrate with sensitive metallic layer material for vehicular communication spectrum [60] .…”

“…Wireless communication connected to the improvement of size reduction is an issue faced by antenna engineers [28], [2], [69], especially in some applications such as RFID [22]. Reduction in antenna size leads to weak radiation efficiency [66].…”

“…They see it as a challenge to solve such an interesting problem where the absence of systematic cost analysis is the biggest challenge. The challenges in cost are due to antenna design [66], [88]. This cost-related challenge [53] [40] must be addressed to enable green energy techniques as alternatives.…”

“…Optically transparent antennas printed on transparent substrates present an alternative route to circumvent such problems. These antennas need, nevertheless, to be fabricated from transparent and conducting layers [66]. This reflects an effortless method for the fabrication of transparent antennas, instead of the costly direct copper spattering on the glass [88].…”

“…Our technology also sets limits for higher operating frequencies (100 GHz and above). In this case, the degree of the network will need to be reduced at the expense of optical transparency [66]. The PET insulating polymer membranes are used for this research, and the effect on the electrical properties of invisible antennas was limited to the thickness of the submillimeter film layer [57].…”