Malibu Research Associates

Gerald E Pollon

Daniel G Gonzalez

Joel F Walker

Lawrence J Sikora

A satellite communications antenna includes a low-windload reflector so that the antenna may be used on high windload locations, such as on a ship. The reflector has a support structure which includes a grid-like structure having relatively large apertures therein to allow wind to pass therethrough. The reflector further includes reflective radiators, such as dipoles, mounted to the support structure for focusing at least one desired frequency of operation. The reflector is also formed in component parts for easy assembly/disassembly should it be necessary to deploy the system elsewhere.

Low-windload satellite antenna

An electronic scan antenna for generating an electrically scanned RF beam in response to an incident RF beam having at least one operating frequency band associated therewith includes a ground plane for reflecting the incident RF beam and a phasing arrangement of plasma structures operatively coupled to the ground plane. Each plasma structure includes gas containing areas which are reflective at the operating frequency range, when ionized, forming ionized plasma areas. Each ionized plasma area is disposed a first distance from the ground plane, a second distance from adjacent ionized plasma areas and each plasma ionized plasma area has a particular size associated therewith. In this manner, each ionized plasma area, in cooperation with the ground plane, provides a portion of a composite RF beam which has a phase shift associated therewith. The electronic scan antenna of the present invention also includes a control circuit for selectively ionizing the gas containing areas such that the size of each ionized plasma area may be dynamically varied so as to dynamically vary the imparted phase shift. In this manner, the composite RF beam may be electronically scanned.

Dynamic plasma driven antenna

A variable width waveguide scanner includes a pair of spaced apart waveguides defined by U-shaped sleeves each having an open end. A U-shaped plunger having spaced apart parallel first and second arms is coupled to the waveguides such that the arms are received by the open ends of the sleeves and are reciprocatingly slidable in the sleeves. A plurality of radiating elements in the form of spaced apart slots are formed in an end wall of each waveguide.

Millimeter wave variable width waveguide scanner

The present invention concerns an electrically thin microwave phasing structure for electromagnetically emulating a desired reflective surface of selected geometry over an operating frequency band. The microwave phasing structure comprises a support matrix and a reflective means for reflecting microwaves within the frequency operating band. The reflective means is supported by the support matrix. An arrangement of electromagnetically-loading structures is supported by the support matrix at a distance from the reflective means which can be less than a fraction of the wavelength of the highest frequency in the operating frequency range. The electromagnetically-loading structures are dimensioned, oriented, and interspaced from each other and disposed at a distance from the reflective means, as to provide the emulation of the desired reflective surface of selected geometry. Another aspect of the present invention is the use of the electrically thin microwave phasing structure for electromagnetically emulating a desired microwave focusing element of a selected geometry. Additionally, methods are provided for designing and manufacturing electrically thin microwave phasing structures for electromagnetically emulating desired reflective surfaces and focusing elements of selected geometry, which methods may include the use of computer-aided design and photo-etching techniques.

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Glendale, CA, United States of America

Gerald E Pollon