Independently Tunable Annular Slot Antenna Resonant Frequencies Using Fluids

Abstract

An annular slot antenna with surface integrated fluidic channels is presented. The fluidic channels provide independent, tunable control of the first and second resonant frequencies. Simulation and measurement results for channels filled with air, acetone, or deionized (DI) water are investigated. A tunable range from 3.3 to 4.2 GHz for the first resonance and 5.2 to 8 GHz for the second resonance is demonstrated. The loss tangent effects are also assessed for the fluids in terms of peak realized gain degradation.