SUBMARINE RF COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA

A design study is proposed for antenna systems mounted on buoys which will be towed by submerged submarines and part of the COPERNICUS System communication link. Several types of multi-element antenna structures and matching network topologies will be investigated. Optimization analyses will be performed for each combination of structure and network topology. This will result in a set of 'optimum' designs. A tradeoff analysis will then be performed to determine the design or designs that best satisfy the requirements of the Copernicus System. Optimization will be accomplished using ANTELOPE - a unique set of software tools which Toyon has developed to optimize electromagnetic EM system design concepts. The antenna systems will make use of optical technologies. This includes fiber optic links, optical modulator devices which directly sense the incoming EM fields, and optically controllable circuit elements.