A Planar Zero-Index Metamaterial for Directive Emission

Abstract

In this paper, a planar zero-index metamaterial, which can be easily fabricated, was designed. Both the simulation and experimental results show that a zero index of refraction occurred at 8.75 GHz. The zero index of refraction can be used to enhance the directivity of antennas. We used a dipole antenna embedded in this metamaterial and found that the directivity of the antenna was effectively enhanced compared with the case without this metamaterial.