An Adaptive Rectangular Microstrip Patch Antenna Array Element Using Photonic Controls

This paper shows how certain photoconductive materials can be used to design an adaptive array element with a center frequency of 2 GHz. The resonant frequency of the patch gradually shifts to a lower frequency as the conductivity off its gap filled with photonic material increases. The resulting increase in the reflection coefficient at the center frequency and decrease in gain acts as a continuous amplitude weight. This approach offers continuous variation of the conductive portions of the patch rather than an "on" or "off" approach offered by the switches. Varying the amplitude of the elements allows dynamic control over the array sidelobe levels.