Enabling Technologies and Algorithms for Antenna Arrays

Phased arrays provide high angular resolution, efficient spatial power combining, and dynamic electronic beam-steering; although there are many applications of phased arrays, there are considerable challenges in their realization. This thesis summarizes the author's work in developing a novel phased array calibration method to address timing and synchronization challenges in phased arrays, as well as work exploring the usage of phased arrays in wireless power transfer in the context of the Caltech Space Solar Power Project. First, the calibration method is described, which involves usage of amplitude-only sensor placed in the proximal field of the array's radiators: to obtain array phase information from these sensors, machine learning is used to solve the phase retrieval problem generated from sensor raw data. Then the satellite payload producing the first in-orbit wireless power transfer demonstration is described. Finally, a method to address areal power matching issues between photovoltaic and wireless power transfer subsystems is described.