Abstract We experimentally demonstrate a Purcell effect-based design technique for improved impedance matching, and thus enhanced the reflection coefficient from a small microwave emitter.Using an iterative process centred on comparing the phase of the radiated field of the emitter in air with that of the emitter in a dielectric Vase environment, we optimise the structure of a dielectric hemisphere above a ground plane surrounding a small monopolar microwave emitter in order to maximise its radiation efficiency.The optimised system shows very strong coupling between the emitter and two omnidirectional radiation modes at 1.
99 GHz and 2.84 GHz, yielding Purcell enhancement factors of 1762 Oven Mitts and 411 times increase respectively, and near perfect radiation efficiency.