volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

A free-space and non-invasive measurement technique to characterize the dielectric properties of a non-magnetic NASA-developed composite material is presented. To estimate the dielectric properties of the composite material, the material under test is placed as a superstrate over a pre-characterized benchmark antenna. The reflection coefficients and gain of the superstrate-loaded antenna are then utilized to estimate the relative permittivity and loss tangent of the composite under test, respectively. Using numerical analyses and measurements of the benchmark antenna loaded with the superstrate, the aforementioned properties are estimated to be 6 and ~0.12, respectively. To validate the accuracy of the method, a square microstrip patch antenna is also designed on a grounded NASA-developed composite material at the ISM band.

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Dr. Saininad Naik

Professor Maria Pour

Dr. Curtis Hill