Optically controlled GeTe phase change switch and its applications in reconfigurable antenna arrays

Characterization of GeTe-Based RF Switches under direct optical laser excitation is shown with the ON state DC electrical resistivity and OFF state capacitance. Based on our tightly-coupled dipole array with performance in excess of 4 to 1 bandwidth over wide-scan angle up to 60 degrees, and with in-band rejection capability using reconfigurable baluns, the antenna aperture is shown to exhibit reconfiguration flexibility with the integration of optically-controlled GeTe-Based RF switches.

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