Analysis of graphene based optically transparent patch antenna for terahertz communications

With and without multi walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) loaded graphene based optically transparent patch antennas are designed to resonate at 6 THz. Their radiation characteristics are analyzed in 5.66-6.43 THz band. The optically transparent graphene is deployed as the patch and ground plane of the antennas, which are separated by a 2.5 mu m thick flexible polyimide substrate. By shorting the microstrip line and ground plane of the antenna with a MWCNT via, the retum loss of the antenna is improved. The peak gain of 3.3dB at 6.2 THz and a gain greater than 3dB in 5.66-6.43 THz band is obtained for antenna loaded without MWCNT. Both the antennas achieved a -10dB impedance bandwidth of 12.83%. Gain, directivity and radiation efficiency of the proposed antennas are compared with conventional transparent patch antennas and graphene based nontransparent antennas. The antenna structures are simulated by using finite element method based electromagnetic simulator-Ansys HFSS. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.