3D metal/dielectric substrates using random mixtures and their application in patch antennas

3D (three dimensional) metal and dielectric mixtures, formed by random cubic particles, have been modelled as an alternative EBG and used as a new substrate for a patch antenna in this paper. The mixtures are realized by cubic copper inclusions in different proportions randomly distributed in solid planar PTFE laminates. The copper concentrations in the mixtures are studied for their effect on antenna performance. Simulations and measurement validations prove that the metal/dielectric mixtures could lead to lower resonant frequencies in a non-periodic EBG which has potential uses for reduction in the patch antenna size.