Reconfigurable Antennas Based on Pure Water

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the design of reconfigurable antennas based on pure water. Being a transparent, flexible, and readily available liquid, pure water can form a cylindrical stream that can be used to guide a leaky electromagnetic wave. By properly selecting the attenuation and phase constants of the leaky electromagnetic wave, the radiation characteristics of water antennas can be designed to suit different application requirements. By controlling the flow or size and shape of water, one can readily realize reconfigurable antennas of different operating frequencies, radiation patterns, and polarizations. Three novel antennas based on pure water are presented showing both simulated and measured results for their radiation performance. Topics that are worthwhile investigating in the future are also suggested.