SBIR-STTR Award

The design of Deployable Reconfigurable Pixelated Antennas (DERPAs) that can operate at different frequencies, with different radiation patterns, and achieve polarization diversity is proposed. The solution proposed, based on optically pixelated silicon or GaAs surfaces, can be used as reflective surfaces for reconfigurable reflect arrays or as reconfigurable active and modular antennas. The optical reconfiguration on thin silicon foldable material allows such antennas to display various modes of operation and it eliminates the need for multiple antennas in small satellites and other platforms. The proposed system is designed for space platforms with the ability to sustain space environmental conditions especially in what relates to radiation, power consumption, thermal management and mechanical robustness. This work is envisioned to lead to the development of a multi-functional reconfigurable antenna system that can be placed on any platform and work at multiple frequencies and polarizations.

In this proposal, Bluecom Systems proposes to develop a framework in designing and manufacturing smart materials that can be used as adaptive radiating structures to operate at different frequencies, with different radiation patterns, and achieve polarization diversity. The solution proposed, based on optically pixilated Silicon or GaAs surfaces, can be used as reflective surfaces for reconfigurable reflect arrays, reconfigurable active and modular antennas, or reconfigurable wiring of data lines. The optical reconfiguration on thin silicon/GaAs foldable material, in conjunction with machine learning based activation control, allows autonomous operation of such antennas and the capability to display various modes of operation. This approach eliminates the need for multiple antennas in small satellites and other platforms.