Silicon-based reconfigurable antennas - Concepts, analysis, implementation, and feasibility

We report on an innovative reconfigurable antenna concept with significant practical relevance based on the dynamic definition of metal-like conductive plasma channels in high-resistivity silicon that are activated by the injection of dc current. The plasma channels are precisely formed and addressed using current high-resolution silicon fabrication technology. These dynamically defined plasma-reconfigurable antennas enable frequency hopping, beam shaping, and steering without the complexity of RF feed structures. This concept shows promise for delivering the performance and capabilities of a phased array, but at a reduced cost. However, challenges such as p-i-n biasing circuit complexity and their nonlinearities, as well as antenna efficiency, would still require further investigations.