Experimental demonstration of a 35 GHz holographic antenna
We have developed a novel two-dimensional grating antenna based on microwave holography. The two-dimensional grating (hologram) is formed on a dielectric substrate and fed by an integrated surface wave exciter. Various design issues will be presented, as will a 35 GHz demonstration prototype antenna designed, fabricated, and tested. Measured radiation patterns closely agreed with the theoretical prediction.
Effects of Discretization on Thin Elementary Holograms for Antenna Applications
The effects of binary discretization of the interference patterns of thin holograms designed for antenna applications is studied. The impact of using different rules for determining the transparent and opaque regions of the hologram is investigated by using a finite-difference time domain analysis to estimate the radiation patterns of the resultant antennas. For the selected discretization rules studied, a variation of 1.7 dB in directivity was observed, indicating the importance of properly choosing the discretization rule in obtaining the best antenna performance.
Silicon-based reconfigurable antennas-concepts, analysis, implementation, and feasibility
We report on an innovative reconfigurable antenna concept with significant practical relevance based on the dynamic definition of metal-like conductive plasma channels in high-resistivity silicon that are activated by the injection of DC current. The plasma channels are precisely formed and addressed using current high-resolution silicon fabrication technology. These dynamically defined plasma-reconfigurable antennas enable frequency hopping, beam shaping, and steering without the complexity of RF feed structures. This concept shows promise for delivering the performance and capabilities of a phased array, but at a reduced cost. However, challenges such as p-i-n biasing circuit complexity and their nonlinearities, as well as antenna efficiency, would still require further investigations.