Implementation of an optically-controlled antenna in a dual-band communications system: Systemic characterization with photonic down conversion

Abstract

This work presents the development of an optically controlled slot antenna, capable of operating at two different resonant frequencies, 2.5 GHz and 5.1 GHz. A silicon switch controls the frequency operation. The proposed antenna design was analyzed in terms of S-parameters and gain. Measured results show a difference of 20 dB for the reflection coefficient and 3 dB in the antenna gain, between the switch “on” and “off” states. The prototype was also tested under a data transmission in a multi band photonic down conversion system. Measurements results show the quality antenna performance in the reception compared to a fixed broadband antenna.