The Design and Manufacturing Process of an Electrolyte-Free Liquid Metal Frequency-Reconfigurable Antenna

• DOI: 10.3390/s21051793
• Publication Date: 2021-03-05T05:39:07Z
• Authors: Peng Qin; Lei Wang; Tian-Ying Liu; Qian-Yu Wang; Jun-Heng Fu; Guan-Long Huang; Lin Gui; Jing Liu; Zhong-Shan Deng
• Keywords: Liquid metal; Reconfigurability

This communication provides an integrated process route of smelting gallium-based liquid metal (GBLM) in a high vacuum, and injecting GBLM into the antenna channel high-pressure protective gas, which avoids oxidation during filling. Then, frequency-reconfigurable antenna, utilizing thermal expansion characteristic GBLM, is proposed. To drive air-proof space, characteristics are required. The dimensions radiating element can be adjusted at different temperatures, resulting reconfigurability operating frequency. validate proposed concept, L-band prototype was fabricated measured. Experimental results demonstrate that well filled, not oxidized. Due to being channel, designed without electrolytes could used air environment for long time. able achieve effective bandwidth over 1.25–2.00 GHz between 25 °C 100 °C. maximum radiation efficiency gain tunable range 94% 2.9 dBi, respectively. also new approach fabrication temperature sensor detects some situations challenging conventional sensing technology.