D-Fiber antenna characterization using finite-element analysis

An all-fiber antenna using piezoelectric polymer coated circular core D-fiber has been characterized using finite-element analysis. The response of the D-fiber antenna was determined over a wide frequency range from 1 MHz to 2 GWz. The modeling predicts an electric field induced phase shift of 2.43/spl times/10/sup -6/ rad/(V/m) per meter at 5 MHz. At frequencies higher than 8 MHz, the optical response is dominated by radial resonances of the D-fiber/coating composite. Using the simulation results, a minimum detectable electric field of 41 /spl mu/V/m has been achieved using a 1 km length of coated D-fiber. In addition, a D-fiber antenna network intended for microcellular communications has been analyzed using shot noise limited detection. The D-fiber antenna has potential applications in areas such as electromagnetic compatibility testing and radio-over-fiber networks where it provides a convenient means of optically generating radio signals.