Microstrip antennas and arrays on chiral substrates

Results are presented for isolated microstrip antennas and infinite arrays of microstrip antennas printed on chiral substrates, computed from full-wave spectral domain moment method solutions. Data for resonant length, impedance, directivity, efficiency, cross-polarization level, and scan performance are given, and compared to results obtained for a dielectric substrate of the same thickness and permittivity. It is concluded that, from the point of view of antenna characteristics, there does not seem to be any advantage to using chiral antenna substrates, while there are disadvantages in terms of increased cross-pol levels and losses due to surface wave excitation.