Anisotropic uniaxial crystal as a substrate in spherical microstrip antenna with annular-circular patch and air gap layer

To enhance impedance bandwidth of spherical Microstrip antenna with annular-circular patch, an air gap layer between antenna ground and substrate layer has been employed. The principle purpose of this work is to consider the effect of such layer on the impedance bandwidth and, consequently, antenna performance. To provide circular polarization, we have applied anisotropic uniaxial crystal as a substrate in spherical Microstrip antenna. Evaluating the impact of air gap layer on radiation pattern of spherical Microstrip antenna with annular-circular patch via CST program is the other goal of this correspondence for three types of substrate materials, anisotropic negative uniaxial crystal, isotropic material, and anisotropic positive uniaxial crystal.