Mikala C. Johnson, Steven L. Brunton, J. Nathan Kutz, Nathan B. Kundtz
Abstract
Accurate and efficient methods for beam-steering of holographic metamaterial antennas is of critical importance for enabling consumer usage of satellite data capacities. We develop an optimization algorithm capable of performing adaptive, real-time control of antenna patterns while operating in dynamic environments. Our method provides a first analysis of the antenna pattern optimization problem in the context of metamaterials and for the purpose of directing the central beam and significantly suppressing sidelobe levels. The efficacy of the algorithm is demonstrated both on a computational model of the antenna and experimentally. Due to their exceptional portability, low-power consumption and lack of moving parts, metamaterial antennas are an attractive and viable technology when combined with proven software engineering strategies to optimize performance.