Dispersion analysis of a microstrip-based negative refractive index periodic structure

We present the complete band structure of a negative refractive index metamaterial based on the concept of dual transmission lines. The metamaterial is a two-dimensional (2-D) microstrip periodic structure that has cell dimensions much smaller than the wavelength of operation. It can therefore be considered as an effective medium. First, the dispersion characteristics of the metamaterial are explained by way of a 2-D loaded transmission line representation. Subsequently, full-wave analysis is utilized to reveal additional modes that can be excited in the metamaterial.