In Situ Optimization of Metamaterial-Inspired Loop Antennas

A new methodology for designing metamaterial-inspired antennas using an in situ optimization technique is introduced. Through this approach, an optimization tool such as a genetic algorithm is used to design a metamaterial pattern adjacent to an antenna to enhance the antenna's performance. As an example, the technique is used for miniaturization purposes where a loop antenna initially resonant at 2.45 GHz is made resonant at 960 MHz, providing a sevenfold reduction in antenna area over a conventional loop designed to operate at 960 MHz.