Challenges with optically transparent patch antennas for small satellites

This paper reviews the properties of TC´s and analyzes the feasibility of various materials, such as ITO, to be implemented as patch antennas for placement on small satellite solar panels. With the help of an expression that better models the skin depth and non-uniform current distribution of microstrip patch antennas, it is possible to predict the efficiency of thin depositions for TCs. A study is conducted in the frequency range of 100 MHz to 10 GHz frequencies, using different TC thicknesses, to compare the effects on antenna efficiency and surface resistance. In the case of ITO, with a deposition thickness of 1.2 μm, we are able to achieve efficiencies of up to 40% from 5 to 7 GHz, but these antennas are unpractically efficient below 5 GHz.