Abstract: By using reconfigurable antenna based pattern diversity, an optimal channel can be realized in order to maximize the distance between two subspaces, thereby increasing sum-rate. The inventors show the benefits of pattern reconfigurability using real-world channels, measured in a MIMO-OFDM interference network. The results are quantified with two different reconfigurable antenna architectures. An additional 47% gain in choral distance and 45% gain in sum capacity were achieved by exploiting pattern diversity with IA. Due to optimal channel selection, the performance of IA can also be improved in a low SNR regime.

Abstract: By using reconfigurable antenna based pattern diversity, an optimal channel can be realized in order to maximize the distance between two subspaces, thereby increasing sum-rate. The inventors show the benefits of pattern reconfigurability using real-world channels, measured in a MIMO-OFDM interference network. The results are quantified with two different reconfigurable antenna architectures. An additional 47% gain in choral distance and 45% gain in sum capacity were achieved by exploiting pattern diversity with IA. Due to optimal channel selection, the performance of IA can also be improved in a low SNR regime.

Abstract: Antenna structures and chiral radomes solve the aforementioned long-felt needs and provide efficient and multipolarized antenna structures and radomes. In a preferred embodiment, a radome for covering an antenna comprises a chiral medium. In a further preferred embodiment, a method of manufacturing an antenna structure comprising the step of embedding an antenna element in a radome which further comprises a chiral medium is also provided.

Abstract: Printed-circuit antennas comprising chiral materials. Printed-circuit antennas in accordance with this invention comprise chiral materials wherein two electromagnetic modes are allowed. The printed-circuit antennas are particularly useful for aircraft antennas, communication antennas and smart skins.

Abstract: Guided-wave structures comprising chiral materials. Guided-wave structures provided in accordance with this invention comprise chiral materials wherein bifurcated electromagnetic modes are allowed. The guided-wave structures are particularly useful for directional couplers, switches and modulators.

Abstract: Electromagnetic and optical shields, controllers, and reflectors comprising chiral materials. Electromagnetic and optical controllers and layers provided in accordance with this invention comprise chiral materials wherein reflection, scattering, absorption and shielding properties can be tailored over specified frequency regime. Layered structures have a variety of potential applications in radar cross section management, radar absorbers for low observables and other applications, radomes, antennae, and radio wave, microwave and millimeter wave chambers. Likewise, these structures have many applications to electronic devices, integrated optics, and optical components and systems, as well as in their radio wave, microwave, and millimeter wave counterparts.

Abstract: Methods of measuring chiral parameters of chiral materials with chiral antennas are provided. These methods involve the use of parallel electric and magnetic dipoles to construct a point sensor in conjunction with the use of a turnstyle antenna as a source. By exciting the chiral medium with the turnstyle antenna, both the absolute degree of chirality and the handedness of the chiral medium can be measured by varying the output currents of the point sensor until a null is achieved. This condition indictes that the ratio p/m, where p is the magnitude of the electric dipole moment and m is the magnitude of the magnetic dipole moment, of the point sensor is .+-.i/v.sub.c. From this relation and knowledge of the relation of permittivity and permeability, the absolute value of the chiral admittance and the chirality factor of the medium can also be found.