PMC as an antenna structural component

The perfect magnetic conductor (PMC) is well established as a theoretical concept from which to study various electromagnetic scenarios. It is the electromagnetic dual of a perfect electric conductor (PEC). PEC can take a simple physical form: conducting metal for example. PMC on the other hand does not exist in nature, but lately a number of novel structures have been reported (see Sievenpiper, D. et al., IEEE Trans MTT, vol.47, no.11, p.2059-74, 1999; Yang, F.-R. et al., IEEE Trans MTT, vol.47, no.11, p.2092-8, 1999; Ma, K.P. et al., Electron. Lett., vol.34, no.21, p.2041-2, 1998) which realise some of the properties of a PMC, generally by enforcing a zero tangential magnetic field boundary condition at a surface over a limited frequency band. We examine the behaviour of various classical antenna types incorporating such material. PMC offers the antenna designer considerable scope for achieving good impedance and pattern characteristics simultaneously, especially when used in conjunction with PEC.