Accurate 3D Deformation Detection Approach for Microstrip Array Antenna Using Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer

The array antenna will be deformed by external forces in the service environment, which will affect the antenna performance. Electromagnetic compensation is needed to protect the properties of the antenna. In order to build the electromagnetic compensation model, the antenna deformation data and the electromagnetic properties data after antenna deformation are needed. In order to provide basic data for electromagnetic compensation, we propose a new method to detect the antenna the deformation information accurately by using OFDR system, combined with tangent angle recursion algorithm and Green’s interpolation algorithm. The electromagnetic properties of the 8*4 microstrip array antenna after deformation were simulated by COMSOL and the antenna directional map was tested in a microwave darkroom to obtain the characteristics of electromagnetic changes after deformation. Corresponding to the three-dimensional shape of the antenna after deformation and the change of electromagnetic properties, it provides data support for the subsequent electromagnetic compensation work.