Reconfigurable Flat-Panel Antenna Array

Toyon Research Corporation will examine and optimize innovative reconfigurable flat panel antenna designs that provide broadband efficiency and maximum controllable directivity within a tightly constrained volume. These antenna designs will be based on microstrip and patch structures mounted on a conformable substrate. Reconfiguration will be accomplished using both reactive and switched (resistive) control devices embedded in the antenna structure. The application of photonically controlled loads and switches will also be considered. This is a new and rapidly developing technology that opens up many new possibilities to the design of reconfigurable antennas Phase I is proposed as a theoretical design effort that will make use of CAD, electromagnetic, microwave, and photonic software tools. Toyon will use its own RF and antenna software design environment called EM/Power to perform antenna analysis and to perform the optimized design studies. We will develop several monolithic flat panel array designs that incorporate conventional control devices as well as photonic devices. The design criteria in each of these designs will emphasize different performance characteristics. We will stress multi-functionality and high SHF directivity/steerability. The main goal is to deliver an antenna design that will support the desired data rates at SHF.