Output details

Design and experimental validation of liquid crystal-based reconfigurable reflectarray elements with improved bandwith in F-band

This paper describes design and manufacturing processes that have been employed to create the first ever electronic beamsteering reflectarray which operates above 100 GHz. This is achieved by integrating liquid crystals into the subreflector of the dual reflector antenna. The scan range satisfies the requirements of space science instruments, and therefore by removing the need to use motors, a significant reduction in the the payload weight can be obtained. The work was done in collaboration with the European Space Agency, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and Merck, Germany who developed and supplied specialised liquid crystal material for this project under NDA.