Influences of excitation signals on terahertz antenna radiation characteristics

Abstract

This work focuses on the influences of excitation signals on the radiation characteristics (directivity, bandwidth, and gain) of electronics-based antennas by utilizing the CST Studio Suite software. Today, terahertz (THz) waves have attracted intense attention due to their significant advantages: high penetration, low quantum energy, high-frequency bandwidth, spectral fingerprints, and transients, etc. As a type of THz radiation source and a core element of communication systems, THz antennas have essential application value. However, there are challenges for THz antenna technology, such as low radiation efficiency, high fabrication difficulty, high cost, and complex tests. Previous studies have achieved expected radiation performance for electronics-based THz antennas, mainly by changing the materials and the structure. As passive devices, antennas require excitation signals to operate, which may affect the radiation characteristics. This work takes the THz dipole antenna as the primary example to study the influences, while patch and horn THz antennas are built as auxiliary examples. The research results demonstrate that different excitation signals have significant influences on the antenna’s radiation characteristics (bandwidth and gain). This work can thus help to achieve the desired antenna radiation goals to improve the controllability and practicality of antennas, making antennas suitable for various application scenarios and requirements.