Conformal Sub-mmWave Antenna Components

In this Phase I project, Nuvotronics proposes to extend and apply our PolyStrataTM metal micromachining technology to provide solutions for multifunction and conformal antenna designs in the sub-millimeter wave region of the spectrum. In multifunction antennas, high amounts of isolation are generally required between each function of the antenna. The high isolation that is intrinsic to the PolyStrata fabrication process is well suited to allow multiple antenna functions to exist with minimal interference in the same aperture. In conformal antenna design, the feed network is a challenge to design and fabricate based on the small footprint that is often necessary and the cost of phase matching, connectorizing, and routing cables in a confined space. The ability to batch fabricate flexible miniature recta-coax transmission lines on single six-inch wafer presents many possible ways of addressing this challenge. The basis of this work will be to modify the base PolyStrata technology to create high-performance and high functionality cabling and interconnections for micro air vehicle conformal antennas. BENEFIT: The products resulting from this development will find applications in DOD and commercial radar and communication systems.