MICROWAVE REFLECTION AT AN ACTIVE SURFACE IMBEDDED WITH FAST-ION CONDUCTORS

The microwave reflection characteristics at a surface of a composite medium comprised of thermally controllable, solid-electrolyte based active-zones are studied. These zones are energized (heated) reconfigurably so as to alter their electric conductivity, and hence their reflection/transmission characteristics. Experimental studies at X-band frequencies on a test active surface formed by a two dimensional array of AgI pellets (fast-ion conductors) imbedded in a dielectric medium are presented. Suitability of the proposed composite-medium for broad-band applications is indicated.