Terahertz Antenna Structure for Dielectric and Metal Loss Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Terahertz wave antennas are adversely affected by dielectric materials with high dielectric constants and metals in their vicinity, leading to deteriorated antenna characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The antenna design includes a resonant element positioned within a concave part of a dielectric substrate, with a convex part protruding beyond the substrate surface and a metal element on a separate surface, separated by specific wavelengths, to minimize the influence of dielectric and metal materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a dielectric material with high dielectric constant is used around the antenna, then the antenna can operate at terahertz frequencies, but electromagnetic waves are absorbed into the dielectric material causing loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful dielectric material from the immediate vicinity of the antenna. The antenna is positioned in air space above the substrate, separating it from the high-dielectric constant material that would otherwise cause electromagnetic wave absorption and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar configuration where the antenna sits on the substrate surface to a three-dimensional configuration where the antenna is elevated above the substrate. This vertical separation creates air space that reduces dielectric loss while maintaining electrical connection through conductive structures.
2Ease of manufacture
If metal elements are placed around the antenna, then the antenna structure can be formed, but electromagnetic waves may cause electric current to flow through the metal affecting radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different spatial locations. Metal elements are strategically positioned only where structurally necessary (on the substrate surface) while the antenna operates in air space above, creating localized metal-dielectric-air regions that optimize both manufacturability and radiation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air space as an intermediary medium between the metal elements on the substrate and the antenna. This air gap acts as a mediator that prevents direct interaction between electromagnetic waves and metal, reducing unwanted current flow while maintaining structural integrity.
3Volume of moving object
If the resonant element is positioned close to the substrate surface, then the structure is compact, but dielectric material influence deteriorates antenna characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the antenna is positioned within a concave region of the substrate surface. This nesting allows the antenna to be embedded in the substrate structure while maintaining elevation above the planar surface, achieving compactness without sacrificing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by creating a concave depression in the substrate and positioning the antenna within it. This three-dimensional arrangement allows the antenna to be physically close to the substrate (compact) while maintaining electrical distance from the dielectric material (performance).
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances antenna characteristics by suppressing dielectric and metal-induced losses, allowing for improved directionality and gain in terahertz wave propagation.
Implementation Method 1
a resonant element configured to resonate at a specific frequency
Implementation Method 2
when a dielectric material such as silicon having a high dielectric constant exists around the antenna, a part of electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna is absorbed into the dielectric material, which causes a loss
Implementation Method 3
when metal exists around the antenna, electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna may cause electric current to flow through the metal and affect radiation of the antenna
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna includes a resonant element and a substrate. The resonant element resonates at a specific frequency. The substrate includes a dielectric material, a first surface on which a concave part having a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the resonant element is formed, and a second surface on which a metal element is arranged. A convex part is formed in a surface of the concave part and protrudes from the surface of the concave part. The resonant element is arranged in an end surface of the convex part, and the resonant element protrudes with respect to the first surface.