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

We have experimentally and computationally studied the integration of a microstrip patch antenna with a two-dimensional photonic crystal substrate. This antenna was fabricated on a defect in the two-dimensional photonic crystal lattice that localized the energy under the patch antenna. The finite-difference time-domain method was employed to study the characteristics of this 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 substrates.