Surface Mounted Communications Antennae using Microstructure

The objective of the proposed research program is twofold. Spectra Research will demonstrate new computational tools and design methodologies for optimizing antenna performance of electrically small antennas and antenna arrays. In addition, Spectra Research will show advanced antenna constructs that incorporate metamaterials to reduce EMI, coupling, profile/size, and to increase radiation efficiency in broadband communication antennas mounted on advanced composite platforms. The proliferation of antenna systems on the modern airborne platforms (such as the N-UCAS) that utilize advanced planar composite technology places great demand on the development of tools and technologies for the design and integration of small communication antennas and broadband antenna arrays. Incorporating additional antennas into the platform often causes an issue with parasitic coupling and electromagnetic interference (EMI) between radiating or receiving structures. As a consequence, new antenna concepts that provide for multiple functions in a common aperture must be explored and perfected. Advanced antenna design tools and techniques must accurately simulate the antenna structure and optimize the antenna performance, while exploiting the advantages of a complicated electromagnetic environment that may include custom materials (ie. electronic bandgap (EBG) structures) as well as artificial dielectrics and magnetics.