Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 11-12-2025

Abstract

Antenna systems are a cornerstone of modern technologies, playing an increasingly vital role in their advancement. As demand for compact, high-performance, and adaptable communication platforms grows reconfigurable antenna technologies are becoming essential. This research explores a novel front-end reconfigurable antenna system (FERAS) architecture that leverages the mechanical flexibility and photoconductive behavior of semiconductor nanomembrane (SNM) devices. By exploiting the emergent properties of ultra-thin silicon (Si) or gallium arsenide (GaAs) nanomaterials and optically exciting these samples using vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays, this study develops lightweight, low-cost, deployable antenna structures for satellite communications, remote sensing, GPS, and radar. Despite their significant potential, SNM-based reconfigurable antennas face challenges in satellite level integration, photonic/electronic interfacing, and material stability under space conditions. Through comprehensive modeling, simulation, and experimental validation, this work establishes key performance metrics and design boundaries laying a foundation for next-generation adaptive antenna systems.

Keywords

Reconfigurable antennas, Semiconductor nanomembranes, Photoconductive materials, Satellite communications, Flexible deployable antennas, VCSEL arrays

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Electrical Engineering

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Electrical and Computer Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Christos G. Christodoulou

Second Committee Member

Francesca Cavallo

Third Committee Member

Ganesh Balakrishnan

Fourth Committee Member

Joseph Costantine

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