Projects

Our research on reconfigurable antennas explore a multitude of reconfiguration techniques that span over a large variety of platforms.

From electrical to optical switching, as well as mechanical to physical reconfiguration along with smart material topologies; our antennas are designed with extreme care to target applications such as cognitive radio, MIMO, software defined RF devices, in addition to the integration of reconfigurable structures for millimeter wave technology.

Optimization techniques, machine learning and graph models shape our antennas into non-redundant, robust with a behavior that predicts and adapts to the environmental settings.

Supported by: NASA, AFRL, BlueCom Systems, Army, Honeywell

Focusing on compact slotted waveguide antenna designs for high-power-microwave systems.

The antenna design is expected to have high directivity, very low return loss, and radiates as much power as possible (typically, MW & above). Periodic structures were introduced to miniaturize the antenna dimension while maintaining similar radiation characteristics. 3D printing technology is investigated to overcome manufacturing complexities.

Supported by: Navy

The objective of this research is to develop semiconductor based materials, devices and sensors for use in space environments.

The use of such technology in space can significantly improve computation, sensing and communications for the nation’s defense satellites. However, rigorous understanding of the operation and degradation of such devices in the space environment is necessary prior to deployment.

In addition, the use of resilient devices and systems design will also allow for high performance components in space to function in the presence of high-energy particle interaction.

Supported by: AFRL, NSF

This project focuses on designing and developing metamaterials which can survive high power microwave environment.

Using group theory, an all metallic metamaterial unit cell has been designed. The Metamaterial-based has been used for designing multi-beam backward wave oscillators (BWO) for the first time.

The designed BWO generates RF power from electron beam passing through metamaterial plates.

Supported by: AFOSR

The project studies the wave attenuation and depolarization caused by rain and other whether conditions.

The link is 24 km long operating at 72 and 84 GHz.

The project also includes the design of new antennas and microwave components operating on these frequencies.

Supported by: AFRL, NASA

Our antennas are designed to be folded and stored inside small satellites such as cubesats (2U, 3U, etc.) and to deploy once on-orbit.

The antennas exhibit circular polarization with a good gain and operate whether within the lower UHF or ISM bands.

They are light yet robust and reliable with an optimized feeding network. Deployable antennas designed by our group include a variety of helical based antenna types. Their radiating conductors vary from bi-stable tape springs to mesh conductors and flexible alloys that ensure their operation for an efficiently responsive space communication.

Supported by: AFRL

We investigate the energy deposition via Poynting flux and particle precipitation in the ionosphere-thermosphere (IT) system. We also study where, when and how it is dissipated into ion, electron and neutral heating through analyzing the measurements from satellites and ground-based instruments.

First-principle physics-based global circulation models (GCMs) are used along with the data assimilation algorithms.

Results of our modeling are relevant to the outstanding problem of forecasting the effects of solar wind driving on the IT system.

Supported by: AFOSR

This research is to understand the reconfigurability of a spiral patch antenna for applications such as Satellites.

Using techniques like PIN diodes, we can change the electrical length of the excited patch which in turn can change the radiating angle, frequency response, directivity and much more.

With Simulation software and our in-house machine shop, testing and changing parameters for optimal efficiency is all achievable and straightforward to repeat and collect data.

Supported by: AFRL