Patterning Design of Copper Mesh Film and Its Performances for Transparent Antenna Application
摘要
Transparent antennas are ideal for applications requiring aesthetics, visibility, and seamless integration with transparent components, such as in electronics, automotive, and aerospace industries. They balance optical transparency with strong electromagnetic performance. This study focuses on transparent conductive films for car radio antennas operating at 2.335 GHz, fabricated using copper mesh patterns created via nanoimprint or photolithography. Both methods produce stable metallization patterns, with nanoimprint offering a cost-effective solution for mass production and accommodating varied film thicknesses to optimize conductivity. The performance of the fabricated transparent patch antennas was evaluated against antennas made with solid copper foil. Results show that bio-inspired patterns outperform square mesh designs, achieving higher efficiency and peak gain. Sheet resistance emerged as a critical factor in determining the transmission properties of copper meshes. With ongoing advancements in material science, transparent antennas are poised to play a pivotal role in future wireless communication systems, enhancing both performance and design integration.