A stretchable frequency reconfigurable antenna controlled by compressive buckling for W-band applications

Abstract Reconfigurable antennas have attracted significant interest because of their ability to dynamically adjust radiation properties, such as operating frequencies, thereby managing the congested frequency spectrum efficiently and minimizing crosstalk. However, existing approaches utilizing swit...

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Main Authors: Qi Wang, Zetian Wang, Yang Yang, Chi Zhang, Mengdi Han, Wei Wang, Yufeng Jin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Publishing Group 2025-05-01
Series:Microsystems & Nanoengineering
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41378-025-00890-x
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author Qi Wang
Zetian Wang
Yang Yang
Chi Zhang
Mengdi Han
Wei Wang
Yufeng Jin
author_facet Qi Wang
Zetian Wang
Yang Yang
Chi Zhang
Mengdi Han
Wei Wang
Yufeng Jin
author_sort Qi Wang
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Reconfigurable antennas have attracted significant interest because of their ability to dynamically adjust radiation properties, such as operating frequencies, thereby managing the congested frequency spectrum efficiently and minimizing crosstalk. However, existing approaches utilizing switches or advanced materials are limited by their discrete tunability, high static power consumption, or material degradation for long-term usage. In this study, we present a W-band frequency reconfigurable antenna that undergoes a geometric transformation from a two-dimensional (2D) precursor, selectively bonded to a prestretched elastomeric substrate, into a desired 3D layout through controlled compressive buckling. Modeling the buckling process using combined mechanics-electromagnetic finite element analysis (FEA) allows for the rational design of the antenna with desired strains applied to the substrate. By releasing the substrate at varying compression ratios, the antenna reshapes into different 3D configurations, enabling continuous frequency reconfigurability. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the antenna’s resonant frequency can be tuned from 77 GHz in its 2D state to 94 GHz in its 3D state in a folded-dipole-like design.
format Article
id doaj-art-177e412583ae4d74b5fea7f878e7adbc
institution OA Journals
issn 2055-7434
language English
publishDate 2025-05-01
publisher Nature Publishing Group
record_format Article
series Microsystems & Nanoengineering
spelling doaj-art-177e412583ae4d74b5fea7f878e7adbc2025-08-20T01:51:39ZengNature Publishing GroupMicrosystems & Nanoengineering2055-74342025-05-0111111210.1038/s41378-025-00890-xA stretchable frequency reconfigurable antenna controlled by compressive buckling for W-band applicationsQi Wang0Zetian Wang1Yang Yang2Chi Zhang3Mengdi Han4Wei Wang5Yufeng Jin6Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking UniversitySchool of Integrated Circuits, Peking UniversityPeking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking UniversitySchool of Integrated Circuits, Peking UniversitySchool of Future Technology, Peking UniversitySchool of Integrated Circuits, Peking UniversityPeking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking UniversityAbstract Reconfigurable antennas have attracted significant interest because of their ability to dynamically adjust radiation properties, such as operating frequencies, thereby managing the congested frequency spectrum efficiently and minimizing crosstalk. However, existing approaches utilizing switches or advanced materials are limited by their discrete tunability, high static power consumption, or material degradation for long-term usage. In this study, we present a W-band frequency reconfigurable antenna that undergoes a geometric transformation from a two-dimensional (2D) precursor, selectively bonded to a prestretched elastomeric substrate, into a desired 3D layout through controlled compressive buckling. Modeling the buckling process using combined mechanics-electromagnetic finite element analysis (FEA) allows for the rational design of the antenna with desired strains applied to the substrate. By releasing the substrate at varying compression ratios, the antenna reshapes into different 3D configurations, enabling continuous frequency reconfigurability. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the antenna’s resonant frequency can be tuned from 77 GHz in its 2D state to 94 GHz in its 3D state in a folded-dipole-like design.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41378-025-00890-x
spellingShingle Qi Wang
Zetian Wang
Yang Yang
Chi Zhang
Mengdi Han
Wei Wang
Yufeng Jin
A stretchable frequency reconfigurable antenna controlled by compressive buckling for W-band applications
Microsystems & Nanoengineering
title A stretchable frequency reconfigurable antenna controlled by compressive buckling for W-band applications
title_full A stretchable frequency reconfigurable antenna controlled by compressive buckling for W-band applications
title_fullStr A stretchable frequency reconfigurable antenna controlled by compressive buckling for W-band applications
title_full_unstemmed A stretchable frequency reconfigurable antenna controlled by compressive buckling for W-band applications
title_short A stretchable frequency reconfigurable antenna controlled by compressive buckling for W-band applications
title_sort stretchable frequency reconfigurable antenna controlled by compressive buckling for w band applications
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41378-025-00890-x
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