Optically Pumped Reconfigurable Antenna System for Multi-Band Operation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antenna systems require multiple antennas of varying form factors and geometries to operate across multiple frequency bands and bandwidths, leading to increased fabrication costs, system weight, and maintenance complexities.

Innovation Solution

An optically pumped reconfigurable antenna system (OPRAS) that uses photoconductive cells with semiconductive substrates, which can be selectively activated by optical illumination to alter the resonant frequency of the antenna structure, allowing dynamic changes in antenna geometry and behavior without changing the form factor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antennas of varying form factors and geometries are used to operate across multiple frequency bands, then frequency band coverage is improved, but system weight, volume, and fabrication cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single antenna structure that can operate across multiple frequency bands by dynamically reconfiguring its geometry. The antenna elements can be selectively connected or disconnected using photoconductive cells activated by optical sources, allowing one antenna to perform the functions previously requiring multiple antennas, thereby reducing system weight while maintaining multi-band coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna system employs dynamic reconfiguration capability where the physical structure can change its geometry in real-time. By using photoconductive cells that switch between conductive and insulating states under optical illumination, the antenna can dynamically alter its effective length and shape to adapt to different frequency bands, eliminating the need for multiple static antenna structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antennas of varying form factors and geometries are used to operate across multiple frequency bands, then frequency band coverage is improved, but fabrication cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoidfabrication cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single antenna structure that can operate across multiple frequency bands by dynamically reconfiguring its geometry. The antenna elements can be selectively connected or disconnected using photoconductive cells activated by optical sources, allowing one antenna to perform the functions previously requiring multiple antennas, thereby reducing system weight while maintaining multi-band coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single integrated structure. By merging what would traditionally be separate antennas into one reconfigurable unit with shared elements and common feed mechanisms, the system reduces fabrication complexity and cost while maintaining the capability to operate across multiple frequency bands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antennas of varying form factors and geometries are used to operate across multiple frequency bands, then frequency band coverage is improved, but maintenance complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoidmaintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single antenna structure that can operate across multiple frequency bands by dynamically reconfiguring its geometry. The antenna elements can be selectively connected or disconnected using photoconductive cells activated by optical sources, allowing one antenna to perform the functions previously requiring multiple antennas, thereby reducing system weight while maintaining multi-band coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna system employs dynamic reconfiguration capability where the physical structure can change its geometry in real-time. By using photoconductive cells that switch between conductive and insulating states under optical illumination, the antenna can dynamically alter its effective length and shape to adapt to different frequency bands, eliminating the need for multiple static antenna structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If photoconductive cells are selectively activated by optical illumination to alter antenna geometry, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic frequency reconfigurationVSAvoidoptical control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical switching mechanisms with photoconductive cells that use optical fields to control electrical connectivity. This substitution eliminates the need for physical moving parts, relays, or mechanical switches, reducing mechanical complexity while enabling rapid, contactless reconfiguration of the antenna structure through optical illumination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical fields as an intermediary to control the electrical state of photoconductive cells. Instead of directly controlling antenna element connectivity through electrical switches, the system uses optical illumination as a mediator to indirectly control the electrical properties of the photoconductive cells, which in turn control the antenna geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables versatile operation across multiple frequency bands and bandwidths with reduced complexity and cost, improving performance in wireless communications and military applications by dynamically altering the antenna's radiation properties and reducing radar cross-section.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of photoconductive cells, each including a semiconductive substrate, configured to selectively connect adjacent antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoconductivity: Photoconductivity

Implementation Method 2

one or more optical sources coupled to the plurality of photoconductive cells such that an optical illumination from the one or more optical sources can be transversally coupled to the semiconductive substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical illumination: Light

Data Source

PatentUS8482465B1Optically pumped reconfigurable antenna systems (OPRAS)

Publication Date: 2013.07.09 STC UNM

AI summary

Various embodiments provide materials and methods for an optically pumped switch device, an optically pumped reconfigurable antenna system (OPRAS), and their related antenna devices. In one embodiment, the switch devices and the antenna devices can have a photoconductive cell. The photoconductive cell can include a semiconductive substrate that is conductive to reflect a radio frequency (RF) signal in response to an optical signal.