Committee:

Dr. Manos Tentzeris, ECE, Chair , Advisor

Dr. Andrew Peterson, ECE

Dr. Gregory Durgin, ECE

Dr. Benjamin Cook, TI

Dr. John Kimionis, Nokia Bell Labs

Dr. Suresh Sitaraman, ME

Abstract:

The objective of the research is realization of wide-band, continuous range tunable RF structures using inkjet-printing technology and origami folding principles that can vary their EM behavior on-demand in response to their environment by simply changing their shape. The work establishes a direct relationship between the kinematics and EM behavior of origami-inspired RF structures, for-the-first time, which allows them to be programmed to achieve desired frequency response at various folding configurations. These simple yet powerful structures can play a key role in revolutionizing the design of future RF structures paving the path for new-generation of terrestrial, outer-space, defense and biomedical applications.