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Abstract

A phased array antenna includes an array of phase shifters, each shifter being operable for shifting the phase of RF energy passing therethrough. Each shifter includes a quantity of ferroelectric material disposed throughout a region. RF energy propagating from a source passes through the material. A thin conductive electrode is disposed in the center of the material, the electrode having a bias voltage imposed thereon. Such voltage creates an electric field across the material, which for a uniaxial ferroelectric orients the optic axis of the material in a direction which is both normal to the direction of propagation of the RF energy and parallel to the polarization direction of the RF energy. The electric field changes the wave propagation constant (i.e., for a uniaxial ferroelectric, the extraordinary wave refractive index, n.sub.e), producing a varying path length of the RF energy in the material, resulting in a controllable alteration of the phase of the RF energy. The varying phase shift produced by each phase shifter controls the antenna's radiating direction.

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First Claim