Recent Advances on Millimetre Wave Reconfigurable Reflectarrays

Abstract:
This paper presents recent advances on reconfigurable reflectarrays at the University of Perugia. In particular the activities carried out in the framework of the European Network of Excellence AMICOM (Advanced MEMS for RF and MIllimeterwave COMmunications), those currently in progress within the FP7 project ARASCOM (‘MEMS & Liquid Crystal based’ Agile Reflectarray Antennas for Security & COMmunication) and the activities carried out in the framework of the recently started ESA Project RESKUE (Transportable REflectarray Antenna for Satellite KU-band Emergency Communications) will be illustrated. As for AMICOM outcomes, details of the design and fabrication of two reflectarrays operating at Ka-band will be provided, while innovative solutions and architectures for mm-wave imaging systems based on reflectarray antennas will be illustrated as work in progress within ARASCOM project. Concerning RESKUE project, the innovative solution proposed and the progress status will be illustrated. The theoretical basis for the accurate analysis and design of reconfigurable will be also provided, introducing a novel circuit model approach for an efficient analysis and optimized design of complex reconfigurable structures.