Ohmic loss reduction and gain enhancement of microstrip antennas using laminated conductors

In order to enhance the gain of miniaturized microstrip antennas, a novel technique is developed where the conductor of miniaturized ring antennas is formed by depositing multiple conductor layers separated by dielectric lamination. The laminating dielectric thickness is smaller or of the order of the skin depth of the conductor. First, it is shown analytically that when multiple laminated conducting material layers are used for a planar material, the power lost in the material is less compared to the case with a single solid layer. The concept is then used in microstrip ring antennas for enhancing their gain. The use of multiple laminated conductors essentially reduces the ohmic loss of these antennas. Experimental results are discussed to validate the concept.