Integration of a microstrip patch antenna with a two-dimensional photonic crystal substrate

We have experimentally and computationally studied the integration of a mic rostrip patch antenna with a two-dimensional photonic crystal substrate. Th is antenna was fabricated on a defect in the two-dimensional photonic cryst al lattice that localized the energy under the patch antenna. The finite-di fference time-domain method was employed to study the characteristics of th is antenna. Measurements are in excellent agreement with calculations. The effects of finite size ground planes were also studied. This work can lead to a new design tool for integrating patch antennas with photonic crystal s ubstrates.