Researchers all over the world, who are working in the field of electronics, are now busy with developing an entirely new array of electronic gadgets. The fact that the new gadgets are flexible makes us sit at the edge of our chairs. Yes, flexible electronic displays, electronic clothing, electronic papers etc have started emerging in several leading electronic markets. When it comes to the communication between flexible electronic gadgets, we need an antenna which is flexible. Researchers from North Carolina State University are working hard to develop useful flexible antennas.
How flexible antenna is made?
The flexible antenna consists of liquid metal injected into tiny channels within the silicon elastomer. The antenna can be deformed and snapped back to its original shape without it being damaged or degradation in performance.
The liquid metal is an alloy of gallium and indium. This alloy is liquid at room temperature. The liquid conducting alloy embedded in the silicon elastomer together act as the flexible antenna.
Applications:
(i) Flexible antennas are used in military equipments which are to be rolled up or folded.
(ii) Flexible antennas are used in structures such as bridges to monitor their motion. The idea is that the antenna frequency changes when their length varies due to the expansion and contraction of the civil structures.
(iii) Flexible antennas could send signals to brain thus helping blind individuals.
Concept of foldable phone with flexible antenna:
Properties:
(i) The oxidization process happens so quickly that, no leak occurs even if we cut the antenna with a razor blade.
(ii) Flexible antennas could collect signals with a variety of wave lengths.
(iii) Frequency of flexible antenna depends on its shape.
(iv) Flexible antennas can be tuned by stretching them.
Buy flexible antenna?
SRH-536 DUAL BAND FLEXIBLE ANTENNA 144/430MHz (SMA FIT)
Available for a price of £19.99
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