Antenna array control via integrated optically-activated organic semiconductor for S-band applications

A novel optically-activated antenna array has been proposed, designed, and analysed using photosensitive organic semiconductor poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT, 95%) and [6,6]-Phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM, 5%) for S-band applications. A two-patch antenna array, using soda-lime glass as the primary substrate and indium-tin-oxide (ITO) as the ground plane, was designed using the CST Studio Suite. The organic semiconductor heterojunction P3HT:PCBM was employed in the design as a secondary substrate atop the glass. Characterisation of the organic polymer was performed using quasi-optical measurement bench over the WR3 waveguide band to estimate the change in dielectric between dark and active (i.e illuminated), states. This change is taken into account while modelling the antenna array, and the potential beam-steering applications are examined.