Development of Reconfigurable Fractal Antenna with Conformal Structure

This proposal describes a plan to design and develop reconfigurable, multiband and broadband antennas using novel techniques of fractal antenna design and incorporating plasma elements. During Phase I, we have developed modeling tools using uniqueoptimization techniques for the design of fractal antennas in a conformal structure. We have also demonstrated the potentials and limitations of these antennas. During Phase II, we propose to develop the unique modeling tools which could be used by a variety of users including ourselves for the development of various multiband and broadband antennas using fractal structures. We investigate various technicalissues associated with the development of plasma elements. We then proceed to develop a prototype fractal antenna with multiband and broadband characteristics. The antenna is being developed for spaceborne and airborne platforms and has conformalstructure. The antenna characteristics can be reconfigured using plasma elements. Finally, we demonstrate the performance of the prototype antenna and develop plans for future utilization.