MEMS tunable antennas, leveraging micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology, offer dynamic control over frequency, bandwidth, and radiation patterns, making them invaluable for modern applications requiring flexible communication and sensing capabilities. With operating ranges spanning from microwave to millimeter-wave (1-10 mm, 30-300 GHz) and even terahertz frequencies (0.1-10 THz), MEMS tunable antennas can enhance high-bandwidth data transfer for 5G and emerging 6G networks, as well as enable ultra-high-definition (UHD) video streaming. Beyond communications, these antennas have applications in autonomous vehicles for precise object detection due to excellent directivity, in security scanning as safer alternatives to X-ray systems, and even in medical diagnostics and therapy, including cancer treatment.
As the demand for smaller, more versatile antennas grows, MEMS technology offers a path forward by enabling highly compact, tunable antennas that can adapt in real-time to various frequency requirements. Microfabrication processes allow for miniaturization to suit IoT devices, wearable electronics, and implantable medical devices, all of which have stringent size and power constraints. By integrating MEMS technology, these antennas can achieve frequency agility and dynamic control over radiation properties, supporting a range of applications from IoT to cyber-physical systems (CPS) with ever-increasing connectivity demands.
The goal of this Research Topic is to advance the frontiers of MEMS tunable antennas for applications in portable and wearable electronics, implantable devices, autonomous vehicles, IoT, and CPS. By gathering the latest research, this collection aims to showcase state-of-the-art designs, advanced modeling techniques, novel fabrication processes, sophisticated characterization methods, and wide-ranging applications. Such contributions will not only enrich the scientific and engineering community with new knowledge but also drive innovation in industry and society by inspiring novel products and applications.
The scope of this Research Topic includes, but is not limited to: • Exploration of theory, modeling, fabrication, and application of MEMS-based tunable antennas in microwave, millimeter-wave, and terahertz bands. • Research on frequency-agile antennas, including tunable, reconfigurable, and multi-band antennas for adaptable wireless systems. • Investigation of MEMS-integrated antennas in communication and radar systems, including novel MEMS-based reconfigurable components. • Development of multifunctional and miniaturized antennas optimized for wearable, implantable, and IoT devices with strict size and power constraints. • Study of advanced fabrication techniques and novel materials that improve performance and reliability of MEMS antennas. • Evaluation of performance enhancement methods, such as frequency tuning and bandwidth adjustment through MEMS technology, to improve antenna efficiency. • Examination of new MEMS structures and mechanisms that enhance radiation pattern control for MIMO systems, CPS, and beyond.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
Original Research
Perspective
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Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
Original Research
Perspective
Review
Technology and Code
Keywords: MEMS, Antennas, Tuneable
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
