Two-element dielectric antenna serially excited by optical wavelength multiplexing

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Antenna Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Semiconductor antennas offer unique dielectric properties for serial cascading.
• Nonlinear characteristics of radiated fields present opportunities for antenna control.
• Optical excitation methods are emerging for dynamic system reconfiguration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of wavelength-multiplexed pulsed lasers for activating serial semiconductor antennas.
• To demonstrate the sensitivity of temporal electromagnetic radiation to optical excitation patterns.
• To explore optical means for reconfiguring antenna arrays.

Main Methods:

• Employing a single pulsed laser beam with multiple wavelengths (wavelength multiplexing).
• Activating two semiconductor antennas connected in series.
• Utilizing nonlinear field characteristics related to free carrier accelerating voltage to minimize element interactions.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated that the temporal electromagnetic radiation distribution is sensitive to the 3D optical excitation pattern.
• Showcased the ability to continuously vary the radiation distribution by altering the optical excitation.
• Confirmed the dielectric nature of semiconductors enables serial cascading of antenna elements.

Conclusions:

• The optical excitation pattern of a multi-wavelength laser can effectively reconfigure a serial semiconductor antenna array.
• This approach offers a novel method for dynamic control and tuning of antenna characteristics.
• The findings pave the way for reconfigurable optoelectronic antenna systems.