Reconfigurable Electromagnetic Structures: X-Band and Beyond

Abstract: Developing reconfigurable millimeter-wave (mmWave) antennas and devices is an outstanding challenge, with switch technologies being a primary impediment. Recently, it has been shown that vanadium dioxide (VO2), a thermochromic material whose resistance changes with temperature, could provide a path forward in developing reconfigurable mmWave devices. As an initial step towards this vision, we investigate the integration of VO2 switches in reconfigurable components at 15 GHz. In particular, a frequency reconfigurable antenna and a reconfigurable phase shifter are shown. The low loss and minimal parasitics of VO2 technology have the potential to enable devices at 15 GHz and beyond.