Design and Realization of Virtual Line Source Using Metamaterials

A metamaterial-embedded 2-D electric line source radiating inside a ground recess is presented. The media embedding a recessed antenna is designed based on transformation electromagnetics (TE) such that the embedded antenna yields the same far-field radiation characteristics as an antenna over a flat conducting ground plane, i.e., forming a virtual antenna. The transformation media comprise a negative-index superlens of finite dimensions and anisotropic impedance-matching blocks. Resonant inclusion-based metamaterials are designed at 5 GHz for their realization using standard printed-circuit technologies. Required metamaterial blocks are assembled for an effective 2-D TE-polarized configuration in a parallel-plate waveguide simulator. Field-mapping measurement confirms formation of a virtual radiator above the ground.