초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for reconfiguring an antenna array by optical control of MEMS switches. A light source is provided to direct light to individual optically sensitive elements which control delivery of actuating bias voltage to the MEMS switches. The light source is preferably separated from th

A method and apparatus for reconfiguring an antenna array by optical control of MEMS switches. A light source is provided to direct light to individual optically sensitive elements which control delivery of actuating bias voltage to the MEMS switches. The light source is preferably separated from the antenna array by a structure which conducts the controlling illumination but provides a high impedance electromagnetically reflective surface which reflects electromagnetic radiation over the antenna operating frequency range with small phase shift, and which is disposed very close to the antenna array. Optically sensitive elements preferably include photoresistive elements, which are best formed in the substrate upon which the MEM switches are formed, and may include photovoltaic elements.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for optically controlling an electromagnetic configuration of an antenna array element comprising the steps of:providing a plurality of electrically-actuated mechanical switches for connecting sub-elements of the antenna array; providing at least one optically sensitive electric control

1. A method for optically controlling an electromagnetic configuration of an antenna array element comprising the steps of:providing a plurality of electrically-actuated mechanical switches for connecting sub-elements of the antenna array; providing at least one optically sensitive electric control element to control actuation of at least one corresponding switch of the plurality of mechanical switches; providing an optical transmission structure having regions which are optically transmissive from a first side of the optical transmission structure to a second side of the optical transmission structure; disposing the antenna array element in a predetermined position on the first side of the optical transmission structure; disposing a source of selectably controllable optical energy on the second side of the optical transmission structure; selectively controlling the optical energy to illuminate a particular optically sensitive control element through a transmissive region of the optical transmission structure, thereby changing a position of a corresponding switch to change the configuration of the antenna array element.