Project

The aim of the MACIEO project is to propose new solutions to increase the reconfiguration capabilities of microwave antennas and circuits for future civil or military communications systems: xG, IoT, satellite constellations, and so on. To achieve this, 2 innovative solutions will be combined to enable multiple reconfigurations on the same component while minimizing complexity. The first solution is based on the electrical control of semiconductor junctions directly integrated into a substrate by localized doping. This offers great flexibility in terms of junction size or shape, and the design of reconfigurable circuits. The second solution is based on optical control of the state (amorphous/crystalline) of chalcogenide thin films, leading to a sharp variation in their conductivity. Withthe first solution enabling the control of numerous junctions with a single electrical signal, and the second using an optical signal, their combination in a hybrid structure multiplies the functionalities offered by a component by minimizing the number of polarization and isolation circuits or carried-over components... The proofs of concept envisaged are filters in planar and SIW technologies independently reconfigurable in center frequency and bandwidth, and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) with variable frequency and/or beam scanning on different polarizations, in Ka band.

Four partners with very different but complementary skills are combining their strengths and resources to complete this project, which is divided into 4 main parts :

• WP 1: Study of chalcogenide materials and their optical activation.
• WP 2: Combining 2 reconfiguration techniques.
• WP 3: Design and characterization of dual reconfiguration filters.
• WP 4: Development of radiant panel with multiple reconfiguration.