Design and Analysis of a PDLC-Based Reconfigurable Hilbert Fractal Antenna for Large and Fine THz Frequency Tuning

Abstract

The proposed reconfigurable radiating antenna design is based on the integration of a reconfigurable fractal antenna and electro-optic substrate material. This antenna can be adjusted to achieve either re-configurability or tunability in the desired frequency range for wireless systems. The electromagnetic characteristics of the fractal antenna are manipulated at both the level of fractal geometry, electrical length and dielectric substrate. The designed antenna features multiband responses, in which the geometry and length change create a large frequency shift and the dielectric change using polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) creates fine and/or continuous tuning. The far field and scattering properties of the antenna are analyzed using the Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio Suite. The proposed approach has successfully demonstrated reconfigurable switching for up to four frequency bands between 0.2 and 0.6 THz. The dielectric constant change in the PDLC substrate shows fine and continuous frequency tuning with an 8% maximum frequency shift when operating around 0.54 THz and a high directivity of 7.35 dBi at 0.54 THz and 8.43 dBi at 0.504 THz. The antenna can also realize a peak gain of 4.29 dBi at 0.504 THz in the extraordinary polarization state of PDLC. The designed antenna can be readily integrated in the current communication devices, such as satellites, smart phones, laptops, and other portable electronic devices, due to its compact geometry and IC compatible design. In satellite applications, the proposed antenna can play a significant role in terms of security. The antenna could be extremely useful for satellites that want to keep their information secret; by constantly switching their operating frequency, spy satellites can evade detection and data collection from enemy ears.

Design of High-Gain Antenna Arrays for Terahertz Applications

“…It shows that the PBG substrate can effectively improve the characteristics of the traditional microstrip antenna array, and obtain the return loss, bandwidth, gain, and radiation efficiency enhancement. The design of a reconfigurable radiation antenna proposed in [ 39 ] is based on the integration of a reconfigurable fractal antenna and electro-optic substrate material. The electromagnetic characteristics of a fractal antenna are controlled at the level of the fractal geometry, electric length, and dielectric substrate, and have a multi-band response.…”

Study on Sensing Urine Concentrations in Water Using a Microwave Sensor Based on Hilbert Structure

“…Here are the main contributions of this paper, summarized as follows: We’ve tapped into the special features of the Hilbert cell to forecast the percentage of urine drops in water across a hundred samples, ranging from one percent to a hundred percent. The unique blend of qualities in Hilbert cells—like compactness, multiband capability, minimal signal loss, consistent phase behavior, ease of integration, reduced interference, and adaptable design—makes them an appealing option for various microwave engineering tasks [ 25 ]. A key highlight of our study is the simplicity of constructing the pan without the need for a water pump or intricate piping within the substrate.…”

“…We’ve tapped into the special features of the Hilbert cell to forecast the percentage of urine drops in water across a hundred samples, ranging from one percent to a hundred percent. The unique blend of qualities in Hilbert cells—like compactness, multiband capability, minimal signal loss, consistent phase behavior, ease of integration, reduced interference, and adaptable design—makes them an appealing option for various microwave engineering tasks [ 25 ].…”