New Optically Controlled Frequency-Agile Microstrip Antenna

A novel class of microstrip antennas composed of organic semiconductor polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)] is proposed for frequency sweeping applications. The permittivity of the P3HT film is measured using the reflective coaxial method for illuminated and nonilluminated states. Resonant frequencies of the proposed antennas instantly change on changing the optical illumination intensity from an adjustable white-light source. Two different antenna configurations (square and square ring) are designed and tested experimentally. The square ring antenna is able to sweep a broader frequency band (1.5 GHz). The gain and radiation efficiency of the proposed square antenna are compared with the corresponding copper microstrip antenna. The proposed antennas have acceptable resonant and radiation characteristics, albeit with modest radiation efficiency.