Optically Tuned Frequency-Reconfigurable Microstrip Antenna

A novel class of microstrip antennas composed of organic semiconductor polymer (P3HT) is proposed for frequency sweeping applications. Resonant frequency of the proposed antennas instantly changes by changing optical illumination intensity of an adjustable white light source. Two different antenna configurations (square and square ring) are designed and tested experimentally. The square-ring antenna is able to sweep a broader frequency band (1.5 GHz). Gain and radiation efficiency of the proposed square antenna are compared to its corresponding copper microstrip antenna. The proposed antennas have reasonable performance, albeit with modest radiation efficiency.