A polarization reconfigurable microstrip patch antenna using liquid metal microfluidics

A polarization reconfigurable microstrip patch antenna is achieved using eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) confined in microfluidic channels. The antenna topology is derived from an orthogonal overlay of two linearly polarized narrow-width microstrip patch antennas. The resulting structure isolated each patch around a common feed structure that has a microfluidic network embedded into a superstrate. Reconfiguration occurs by the reversible filling and extraction of the liquid metal through the back plane of the antenna into microchannels that provide interconnections to the feed point. The microchannels are fabricated using 3D printing of a sacrificial ink in a thermally stable structural low-loss epoxy. (paper)