During Phase I, PaneraTech in partnership with UCLA-TANMS (NSF Center for Translational Applications of Nanoscale Multiferroic Systems) achieved a groundbreaking success by designing a multiferroic small antenna based on continuous spin rotation in ferromagnetic nanoelements in periodic electrode array patterns. Specifically, we developed Finite Elements Method (FEM) models to design nanoscale periodic magnetic particle arrays, which are used as the basis of an electrically smallmagnetic dipole antenna. We studied multiple configurations of nano-dipole antenna arrays and have determined unique methods for controlling the dipoles . The array configurations and device design structures determined in Phase I provide a strong basis for the fabrication of thin film, high radiation power density magnetic dipole elements for use in antenna applications. During Phase II, the team will prototype the antenna for operation in UHF band, develop necessary evaluation board (input matching and feed network) for the antenna and demonstrate its performance with measurements in anechoic chamber.;
Benefit: This technology has a tremendous potential for both military and commercial platforms. Current antenna designs rely primarily on the electromagnetic resonance characteristic of anelectrically conductive antenna structure. This results in large antenna sizes and makes communication and SIGINT capability at VHF and UHF frequencies challenging for a wide range of platforms, but most notably small UAS systems. Our proposed Multiferroic based small antenna technology allows for developing extremely small antennas (lambda/100) - Antenna on IC and integrating these extremely small antennas on UAS airframe for VHF andUHF applications.
