A Simple and Efficient Adaptive ISM-Band Antenna Based on a Reconfigurable Optically Driven Parasitic Structure

Abstract: This paper describes the development and the realization of an adaptive antenna based on a reconfigurable parasitic structure. The geometry of the proposed antenna is circular, and it is composed by an active omni-directional radiator, surrounded by a number of parasitic elements that can be optically activated and configured as a director or as a reflector. The optical switches are activated by means of optic fibers in order to avoid electromagnetic perturbations. The optimized structure of the parasitic elements permits a high versatility since each parasitic element can act as reflector or director. Thanks to this structure, integrated with a suitable control software, it is possible to obtain a directive beam pattern that can be opportunely set in order to maximize the coupling with a desired signal and to attenuate the presence of interfering signals. A prototype has been designed, developed and experimentally assessed. The prototype has been integrated with a control software and the whole system has been numerically and experimentally tested. A good agreement between numerical and experimental results has been obtained demonstrating the capabilities of the proposed antenna prototype.