In this project it is proposed to investigate the characteristics of dielectric resonator radiating structures. Antennas comprising dielectric material are expected to be more efficient and more economical in the high microwave frequency range than are microstrip and similar metal antennas. The circular dielectric disk radiator will serve as the fundamental radiating element for the study, but other configurations, such as the use of several layers of dielectric to make the element suitable for use over an increased range of frequencies, may also be investigated to better understand the effects of various parameters on the performance of the antenna. Rigorous numerical modeling of the dielectric structure will be based on the Surface Integral Equation Formulation, but other numerical methods such as the Finite Integration Technique will also be used where appropriate. Precision measurements will consist of radiation pattern, radiation efficiency, and input impedance investigations, and will serve to validate the theoretical results obtained for various configurations. Different excitation methods for the conductorless dielectric resonator antenna, as well as different antenna configurations, will be analyzed. The three investigators will cover the numerical aspects, the electromagnetic system aspects, and the experimental aspects of the conductorless antennas.
