Advanced Concepts and Material Solutions for Conformal Antennas Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Topic No.: N091-041 Topic Title: Advanced Concepts and Material Solutions for Conformal Antennas Proposal No.: N091-041-0723 Firm: NanoSonic, Inc. P.O. Box 618 Christiansburg, Virginia 24068 Contact: Bradley Davis Phone: (540) 953-1785 Web Site: http://www.nanosonic.com Abstract: This Phase I SBIR program will be used to demonstrate advanced simulation, materials and fabrication processes for conformal antennas enhanced by the addition of substrates and superstrates with customized permittivity, permeability and through the application of metamaterials. To accomplish this task, NanoSonic has created a team with a unique combination of engineers, chemists and materials scientists capable of design, simulation and production of this product. In Phase I NanoSonic would consult with the antenna group of a major defense contractor in designing a multiband metamaterial enhanced antenna for conformal implementation on Navy platforms. NanoSonic would also examine antennas for conformal application using processes that are related to those used to create Metal RubberT and a unique inkjet patterning process for antenna fabrication. Unlike sputter coating, Metal RubberT materials can be applied to severe doubly curved surfaces without de-bonding or cracking. Finally, unique customized permeability substrates would be developed, constructed and tested. The NanoSonic PI is antenna engineer with many years experience in both hardware implementation and simulation software construction. In creating and simulating the design, NanoSonic would leverage current programs in computational electromagnetics to perform detailed simulations of the antenna. Benefits: The materials and processes developed and applied in this program may be used to form a variety of high performance microwave materials and devices integrated directly into lightweight polymer structural components. The low cost, highly integrated antennas proposed will allow the manufacturing of cost-competitive aerospace, electronic, optoelectronic, sensor and actuator materials, devices and integrated function structures while reducing the production of waste and product development time. Conformal or free-standing, flexible RF antennas are of importance for both military and commercial applications and would find wide application within the DoD. Lightweight antennas, low profile antennas also have numerous applications for mobile and particularly the airborne and space-based communication industry; the automotive consumer market would have large potential applications. Additionally, these antennas would address DoD and law enforcement needs for communication and surveillance with reduced probability of detection. In commercial use, such antennas could be integrated into vehicle or building structures. Return