Investigations on Graphene-Based Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Microstrip Patch Antennas for Terahertz (THz) Applications

An investigation on graphene-based hexagonal microstrip patch antenna has been carried out in this article. The hexagonal-shaped radiators have been designed and modified by incorporating a U-shaped slot and an elliptical-shaped slot on the surface of the patches, respectively, to enhance the radiation performance of the suggested structures. The proposed structures are simulated over an ultra-wideband frequency (UWB) for terahertz applications. The comparative studies have been performed to investigate the effects of the incorporated U-shaped and elliptical-shaped slots on the radiation performance of the proposed graphene-based antenna structures. A significant improvement in gain and directivity is noticed for the elliptical slot-loaded structure. Both the proposed U-shaped and elliptical-shaped slot loaded hexagonal printed antennas offer an impedance bandwidth ranging from 0.68 to 1.63 THz for S-11 <= - 10 dB. A detailed analysis of the parameters such as reflection coefficient, voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), gain, directivity, and radiation patterns is presented for the suggested THz antenna models. The obtained reflection coefficient and VSWR ensure perfect impedance matching throughout the operating band for the suggested structures. The proposed antenna can be useful for ultra-wideband applications in the terahertz regime like THz bio-imaging, spectroscopy, explosive detection, medical diagnoses, communication, and weather monitoring.

Automated summary

This article investigates a graphene-based hexagonal microstrip patch antenna with U-shaped and elliptical-shaped slots, aiming to enhance radiation performance and provide an impedance bandwidth ranging from 0.68 to 1.63 THz. Comparative studies reveal significant improvements in gain and directivity for the elliptical slot-loaded structure. The proposed antennas have potential applications in ultra-wideband terahertz scenarios such as bio-imaging, spectroscopy, explosive detection, medical diagnoses, communication, and weather monitoring.