Self-Folding Origami Microstrip Antennas

This communication presents antennas that incorporate self-folding polymer substrates that transform planar, two-dimensional structures into three-dimensional antennas when exposed to a light source. Pre-strained polystyrene sheets supporting a patterned copper foil form the light-activated structures. Black ink that is inkjet printed on the polymer substrate selectively absorbs light and controls the shape of the transformation. This approach represents a simple method to reconfigure the shape of an antenna and a hands-free method to assemble 3D antennas from many of the conventional methods that are used to pattern 2D metal foils. We demonstrate and characterize two embodiments that highlight this concept: a monopole antenna that transforms from a conventional microstrip transmission line and a microstrip patch antenna that converts within seconds into a monopole antenna.