DISCRETE COMPLEX IMAGE MIXED-POTENTIAL INTEGRAL-EQUATION ANALYSIS OF MICROSTRIP PATCH ANTENNAS WITH VERTICAL PROBE FEEDS

The discrete complex image method (DCIM) is combined with a hybrid mix ed-potential integral equation (MPIE) formulation for microstrip patch antennas with vertical probe feeds. The properties and performance of the DCIM are investigated. To assess the accuracy and efficiency of t he DCIM-MPIE approach, it is applied to a finite array of vertical pro be fed microstrip patch antennas. The same structure is also analyzed by a well-established approach based on a rigorous numerical treatment of the Sommerfeld integrals and the results of the two methods are co mpared.