MM-wave Patch Antenna with Embedded Photoconductive Elements for 1-bit Phase Shifting

Paper in proceeding, 2019

The paper presents a development approach for mm-wave patch antenna with 1-bit (0/180 degrees) phase shifting. The proposed design employs a stacked patches structure, where the lower patch is excited symmetrically from an embedded single-pole double-throw switch. The switch is based on controllable photoconductive elements, where each element represents a high-resistivity silicon piece, which conductivity is modulated by a light source. Measured results demonstrate achievable (23-26) GHz -10-dB matching bandwidth and radiated field phase switching of (170-173)degrees. The approach can find its applications in beam steering antenna arrays and switchable monopulse antennas.