In this article, we report the first ever antenna array with >90% transparency that is intended for 5G networks for smart cities. This level of transparency is achieved by using Gallium-doped Zinc Oxides. The array designed and tested is for sub-6GHz 5G and operates at 5.8GHz. This seamless design allows such arrays to be integrated into windows of buildings within the smart city to provide consistent network coverage. The phased array has good gain and scanning characteristics as presented below. We have also included a discussion regarding gain and beam steering capabilities in comparison to similar arrays made of conventional copper and RF substrates. This study presents the comparison of two antenna arrays, one constructed from copper antenna elements (Simulated operational band from 5.67 GHz to 6.62 GHz, 7.6% bandwidth, and gain of 2.18 dBi) and one constructed from GZO antenna elements (Simulated operational band from 2.8 GHz to 10 GHz, 112.5% bandwidth, approximately 8% efficiency, and a gain of −10.87 dBi). Both element designs have a 1.5cm by 1.5cm footprint. The results show that a 4x1 array of GZO elements will increase the gain to 0.34 dBi from a gain of −10.87 dBi of a thin film, GZO antenna element. In addition, over 90% transparency allows window integration without obstructing the view. The techniques described in this article also can be used to integrate such arrays in glasses and other transparent materials for various IoT applications.

中文翻译：

---

用于下一代移动网络的光学透明天线阵列

在本文中，我们报告了首个用于智能城市 5G 网络的透明度 > 90% 的天线阵列。这种透明度是通过使用掺镓的氧化锌来实现的。设计和测试的阵列适用于 6GHz 以下的 5G，运行频率为 5.8GHz。这种无缝设计允许将此类阵列集成到智慧城市内的建筑物窗户中，以提供一致的网络覆盖。相控阵具有良好的增益和扫描特性，如下所示。我们还讨论了与由传统铜和射频基板制成的类似阵列相比的增益和光束控制能力。本研究比较了两种天线阵列，一种由铜天线元件构成（模拟工作频带从 5.67 GHz 到 6.62 GHz，带宽为 7.6%，增益为 2。18 dBi）和一个由 GZO 天线元件构成（模拟工作频带从 2.8 GHz 到 10 GHz，带宽为 112.5%，效率约为 8%，增益为 -10.87 dBi）。两种元素设计的占地面积均为 1.5 厘米 x 1.5 厘米。结果表明，4x1 的 GZO 元件阵列会将增益从薄膜 GZO 天线元件的 -10.87 dBi 增益增加到 0.34 dBi。此外，超过 90% 的透明度允许在不阻碍视图的情况下集成窗口。本文中描述的技术还可用于将此类阵列集成到眼镜和其他透明材料中，用于各种物联网应用。结果表明，4x1 的 GZO 元件阵列会将增益从薄膜 GZO 天线元件的 -10.87 dBi 增益增加到 0.34 dBi。此外，超过 90% 的透明度允许在不阻碍视图的情况下集成窗口。本文中描述的技术还可用于将此类阵列集成到眼镜和其他透明材料中，用于各种物联网应用。结果表明，4x1 的 GZO 元件阵列会将增益从薄膜 GZO 天线元件的 -10.87 dBi 增益增加到 0.34 dBi。此外，超过 90% 的透明度允许在不阻碍视图的情况下集成窗口。本文中描述的技术还可用于将此类阵列集成到眼镜和其他透明材料中，用于各种物联网应用。