Transparent Patch Antenna Using Metal Mesh

This communication presents the design, fabrication, and measurement of transparent antennas with metal mesh (MM) for wireless transparent applications such as smart windows, transparent mobile devices, and transparent Internet of Things. The MM was proposed as a transparent electrode with high conductivity in electrical performance, with proper transparency in optical performance, and low fabrication cost compared to a traditional transparent thin film electrode. To analyze the performance of a transparent antenna fabricated by MM, the antennas were designed to operate in the 2.4-2.5 GHz WLAN band (802.11b). The conductive metal of transparent MMpatch antennas was designed using a square lattice structure and was fabricated using wired MM with copper wire (0.2-0.5 mm). In addition, micro-MM film consisting of thin copper wire (20 mu m) was used to fabricate transparent patch antennas. The realized gain, efficiency, front-to-back ratio, and radiation patterns of the transparent MM patch antennas are discussed for various combinations of radiator and ground planes. Overall, the transparent MM patch antennas offer optical transparency, maintain sufficient performance, and could possibly be used in wireless transparent applications.