Liquid Metal Reconfigurable Antennas

Abstract

This thesis work is focused on the investigation of reconfigurable antennas enabled by non-toxic liquid metal, Eutectic Gallium Indium (EGaIn). The research goal is to demonstrate the integration of emerging additive manufacturing techniques and liquid metal fluidic systems in the design of reconfigurable antennas. Three antennas have been built to demonstrate the utility of EGaIn, capability of additive manufacturing techniques, and integration of an antenna to a low cost PCB with readily available fabrication process. The first antenna is a polarization reconfigurable slot antenna backed by circular substrate integrated waveguide cavity that uses EGaIn in a microfluidic channel to change its polarization by changing the position of the aperture. The second antenna is a frequency reconfigurable dipole antenna that uses EGaIn as a radiating element to change its resonance frequency by contracting and expanding the length of EGaIn. The third antenna is a polarization reconfigurable cross patch antenna that uses EGaIn as a switch to alter its polarization. It is found that the actuation of the EGaIn in a micro-vascular channel largely depends on the size of the channel if pressure driven method is used. Incorporating EGaIn in an antenna design is capable of producing unique and versatile functionalities, and EGaIn is well suitable for reconfigurable antenna design like the ones demonstrated in this thesis work.