Elizabeth Leigh
BAE Systems has created a new material that uses transformational optics technology with the goal of extending antenna bandwidth performance.
The artificially-engineered composite metamaterial developed in collaboration with Queen Mary University of London scientists is intended to help develop a flat antenna lens, BAE said Wednesday.
Transformational optics controls work to light in a way that permits a flat lens to have the same electromagnetic properties as a curved lens or dished reflector, BAE says.
“The technology developed could lead to us to think differently about aircraft design as well as lowering radar cross sections, provide weight savings or allow miniaturization of integrated components,†said Sajad Haq from the BAE Systems Advanced Technology Centre in Bristol.
BAE says this development could lead to future changes on how aircraft, ships, radios and satellite dishes are designed and configured.
The research is intended to spur development of smaller or discrete antennas for healthcare and other industries and BAE said it intends to explore its application to other technologies used in aerospace, defense and security.
