Integrated filter in antenna-based detector

Abstract

An antenna system includes a dielectric structure formed on a substrate; an antenna, partially within the dielectric structure, and supported by the dielectric structure; a reflective surface formed on the substrate. A shield blocks radiation from a portion of the antenna and from at least some of the dielectric structure. The shield is supported by the dielectric structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description, given with respect to the attached drawings, may be better understood with reference to the non-limiting examples of the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows various aspects of operation of an antenna;

FIGS. 2( a)-2(b) are side views of an antenna with an integrated filter;

FIG. 3 is a top view of an antenna with an integrated filter;

FIG. 4 shows various aspects of operation of an antenna; and

FIGS. 5( a)-5(d) show an exemplary process for making an antenna structure.

Claims

1. An antenna system comprising: a dielectric structure;an antenna, partially within the dielectric structure, and supported by the dielectric structure; anda detection system disposed to detect electrical field changes in the antenna.

2. A system as in claim 1 wherein the dielectric structure is formed on a substrate, the system further comprising: a reflective surface formed on the substrate.

3. A system as in claim 1 further comprising: a shield blocking radiation from a portion of the antenna.

4. A system as in claim 3 wherein the shield also blocks radiation from the dielectric structure.

5. A system as in claim 3 wherein the shield is supported by the dielectric structure.

6. A system as in claim 1 wherein: the antenna comprises: a first metal portion on one side of the dielectric structure;a middle portion comprising a portion of the dielectric structure; anda second metal portion on another side of the dielectric structure.

7. A system as in claim 6 wherein the length of the first metal portion is substantially equal to the length of the second metal portion.

8. A system as in claim 7 wherein the length of the dielectric portion of the antenna is based, at least in part, as a function of the dielectric constant of the dielectric material.

9. A system as in claim 1 wherein the detection system includes a source of charged particles.

10. A system as in claim 6 wherein the first metal portion and the second metal portions are comprised of the same metal.

11. A system as in claim 6 wherein the first metal portion and the second metal portions are comprised of different metals.

12. An antenna system comprising: a dielectric structure formed on a substrate;an antenna, partially within the dielectric structure, and supported by the dielectric structure;a reflective surface formed on the substrate;a shield blocking radiation from a portion of the antenna and from at least some of the dielectric structure, the shield being supported by the dielectric structure; anda detection system disposed to detect electrical field changes in the antenna, wherein the detection system includes a source of charged particles.

13. An antenna comprising: a dielectric portion;a first metal portion on a first side of the dielectric portion; anda second metal portion on a second side of the dielectric portion.

14. An antenna as in claim 13 wherein the antenna is constructed and adapted to detect electromagnetic waves having a particular frequency, and wherein a first length of the first metal portion and a second length of the second metal portion and a third length, of the dielectric portion, are each based, at least in part, on a function of the particular frequency.

15. An antenna as in claim 13 wherein the first length is substantially the same as the second length.

16. An antenna as in claim 13 wherein the first metal portion and the second metal portion are comprised of the same metal.

17. An antenna system comprising: a first antenna portion;a second antenna portion on a first side of the first antenna portion; anda third antenna portion on a second side of the first antenna portion.a shield blocking radiation from at least a part of the antenna; anda detection system disposed to detect electrical field changes in the antenna, wherein the detection system includes a source of charged particles.

18. An antenna system as in claim 17 wherein: the first antenna portion and the third antenna portion comprise a first metal; andthe second antenna portion comprises a second metal.

19. An antenna system as in claim 17 wherein: the first antenna portion and the third antenna portion comprise a first dielectric material; andthe second antenna portion comprises a second dielectric material.

20. An antenna system as in claim 17 wherein: the first antenna portion and the third antenna portion comprise a metal; andthe second antenna portion comprises a dielectric material.