Equivalent model for the phase dynamics of a metamaterial inspired patch antenna

We present a simple model for a patch antenna based on metamaterial concepts operating in the microwave region with a bandwidth of 1.9-2.6 GHz. The small size and the relatively large operational band make this device exploitable for electromagnetic energy harvesting in urban environments. Describing the antenna by an equivalent circuit composed of a transmission line having right/left hand properties with a RC load, we can properly account for the phase dynamics in correspondence of resonances characterized by a specific handedness. The model is validated measuring the response of the reflection scattering parameter S1,1 for a copper prototype fabricated on a FR4 printed circuit board.