Transparent dielectric resonator antennas for optical applications

The transparent dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) for optical applications is proposed for the first time. For demonstration, a dual function transparent hemispherical DRA made of Borosilicate Crown glass (Pyrex) is investigated. The dual function DRA simultaneously works as an antenna and a focusing lens for an underlaid solar cell. The system is very compact because no extra footprint is needed for the solar cell. A conformal strip is used to excite the hemispherical DRA in its fundamental broadside TE₁₁₁ mode. Due to the focusing effect of the DRA, higher voltage and current outputs of the solar cell can be obtained. In this paper, the transparent rectangular DRA was also studied, and it was found that the rectangular DRA does not provide the focusing function. It was also found that the proposed transparent DRAs can provide a higher gain (∼ 4dBi) than for the state-of-the-art transparent microstrip antennas (∼ -5 dBi to 0 dBi). The reflection coefficients, input impedances, antenna gains, and radiation patterns of the two transparent DRAs are studied, and reasonable agreement between the simulated and measured results was observed. The proposed configurations can potentially be used for applications that need a self-sustaining power. © 2006 IEEE.