A Reconfigurable Deployable Quadrifilar Helix Antenna for Areas with Diminished Infrastructure

Abstract

A multi-stable fiber reinforced polymer composite helical latticed-based antenna is presented in this paper. The antenna is designed with a reconfigurable deployable Quadrifilar helix topology that exhibits two different stability states. The first state has a linear polarization with an omnidirectional radiation pattern for terrestrial point to point communication. The second state presents a circular polarization with broadside propagation to ensure satellite-ground communication. The antenna was fabricated and tested where measurement results agree notably with simulated designs. The antenna exhibits extremely light weight and great agility making it suitable for portable deployment for areas with diminished infrastructure.