Date of Award

3-1999

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

First Advisor

Peter J. Collins, PhD

Abstract

Scientists have long known that periodic structures can filter electromagnetic (EM) waves. In the last decade, extension of one- and two-dimensionally periodic structures into a third periodic dimension has produced photonic band gap (PBG) structures. A PBG structure is characterized by its omnidirectional stop band at a set of frequencies determined by the structure's periodicity and permittivity. In the present research, we investigate such a structure as an antenna reflector. We aim to develop a modeling approach that provides accurate computations of PBG behavior without relying on massively parallel processing. We also construct and measure the bulk reflection and transmission properties of a PBG structure, then use it as a planar reflector for a two-arm spiral antenna. We measure the same antenna's radiation properties when mounted above an absorber loaded cavity and a conducting ground plane to determine whether the PBG reflector provides gain enhancement. This comparison of a PBG reflector's performance against standard mounts for a practically useful broadband antenna is unique in PBG research.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GE-ENG-99M-26

DTIC Accession Number

ADA361779

Comments

The author's Vita page is omitted.

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