An active retrodirective antenna array

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2011-08

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Abstract

Retrodirective antenna arrays utilize an array of antennas to redirect a signal back in the direction it originated from without use of digital circuitry, microcontrollers, or sophisticated signal processing algorithms. Passive retrodirective arrays, like the Van Atta array, use equal length transmission lines to redirect the signal. Active redrodirective arrays use mixers to create the phase conjugation necessary to redirecte the signal. Applications include high speed tracking, mobile communication, RADAR, and sensors. This thesis focuses on designing antennas for the retrodirective array to lay the groundwork for future enhancements. While patch and slot antennas are investigated, slot antennas are selected to provide a foundation for implementation of solar cells. Due to the bidirectional radiation pattern inherent to slot antennas, a high impedance ground plane is investigated for its low profile reflecting properties. This metamaterial based plane is comprised of mushroom type structures than exhibit useful properties in their respective electromagnetic bandgap. By using this high impedance plane in association with the retrodirective array, the foundation for implementation of solar cells is set for a solar antenna based retrodirective array.

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