Future Microwave Arrays Take Shape

Citation

Fikes, Austin Covey (2022) Future Microwave Arrays Take Shape. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/h541-3e28. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:02092022-003219315

Abstract

Phased arrays provide high gain electronically steerable beams and are powerful systems for sensing and communication. Existing phased arrays are typically small, rigid, and planar which limits their possible use cases. This thesis describes the author's contributions to the creation of novel phased array architectures which can enable new phased array systems and applications. The first chapter describes the design, testing, and use of the scalable router. Scalable routers are a time delay array relay used to reroute signals a microwave frequencies. The second chapter describes the development of large scale flexible phased arrays, first in the context the Caltech Space Solar Power Project, and then in an exploration of a technique for determining the shape of arrays using only mutual coupling between elements. Finally, a guide for developing electronics for academic space payloads is included as an appendix.

Thesis Files