Design and analysis of two-dimensional parasitic liquid metal monopole array

The goal of this paper is to expand from previously researched liquid metal linear array models into a dynamically driven two dimensional liquid metal array. Simulations were performed using FEKO to prove the concept that a multi-dimensional array will provide the user more control over the direction of the main beam and also the direction of the nulls, making the resulting array useful for spatially tracking signals and mitigating interference. A proof-of-concept hardware model of the 2D array antenna was built and tested in the context of a dual frequency dual frequency GPS antenna (L1, L2/L5) with results found comparable to simulation. Since the antennas are made from liquid metal, these results make it possible for the user to change the parasitic elements within the 2D array from negligible (height of zero) to directors, to reflectors, or back with the use of a syringe or pump. This spatially adaptable antenna also benefits from the use of a single digitizer chain, offering a concrete alternative for anti-jam GPS antennas as the technology matures.