Arrays of dual-band printed dipoles loaded with metamaterial particles

Arrays of printed dipoles loaded with metamaterial particles are presented in this paper. The use of these loaded dipoles can improve the features of the arrays. Two applications are proposed: the miniaturization of the array and the bandwidth broadening. Moreover, a novel implementation of the dipoles loaded with metamaterial particles is proposed. In this case, the dipoles are loaded with a modified version of the Omega particles. An example of a dual-band miniaturized dipole is shown. Finally, a log-periodic array of two Omega-loaded dipoles is designed, simulated, manufactured and measured. Experimental results show that the bandwidth is increased from 52.4%, which is obtained with the conventional array, to 62.8%.