Application of a woodpile superstrate for directivity enhancement of antennas

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of electromagnetic band-gap (EBG) materials in the enhancement of antennas’ directivity. Design/methodology/approach – An analysis of a woodpile EBG material is performed, which points out its band properties. Woodpile cavities are then considered, obtained by interrupting the periodicity of the crystal. A woodpile cavity is then superimposed to a double-slot antenna, resulting in a compound radiating device. The behavior of the EBG and of the radiating structure are simulated through Ansoft HFSS V11. Findings – The woodpile EBG, when used as a cavity, acts as a spatial filter for the radiation coming from the antenna. The directivity of the new radiator is considerably increased, since now the illumination covers an area larger than the antenna. Originality/value – Using new materials to obtain high-directivity and compact radiators. Keywords Finite element analysis, Electromagnetism, Waves Paper type Research paper