Nonlinear antenna technology

Abstract

Nonlinear antennas combine advances in nonlinear dynamics, active antenna design, and analog microelectronics to generate beam steering and beam forming across an array of nonlinear oscillators. Nonlinear antennas exploit two phenomena typically shunned in traditional designs: nonlinear unit cells and interelement coupling. The design stems from nonlinear coupled differential equation analysis that by virtue of the dynamic control is far less complex than the linear counterparts by eliminating the need for phase shifters and beam forming computers. These advantages arise from incorporating nonlinear dynamics rather than limiting the system to linear quasisteady state operation. A theoretical framework describing beam shaping and beam forming by exploiting the phase, amplitude, and coupling dynamics of nonlinear oscillator arrays is presented. Experimental demonstration of nonlinear beam steering is realized using analog microelectronics.