A frequency shifting liquid metal antenna with pressure responsiveness

This letter describes the fabrication and characterization of a shape shifting antenna that changes electrical length and therefore, frequency, in a controlled and rapid response to pressure. The antenna is composed of a liquid metal alloy (eutectic gallium indium) injected into microfluidic channels that feature rows of posts that separate adjacent segments of the metal. The initial shape of the antenna is stabilized mechanically by a thin oxide skin that forms on the liquid metal. Rupturing the skin merges distinct segments of the metal, which rapidly changes the length, and therefore frequency, of the antenna. A high speed camera elucidates the mechanism of merging and simulations model accurately the spectral properties of the antennas. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3603961]