Nematic Liquid Crystal Microwave Phase Shifters

In electronic information systems and phased array radar systems, the phase difference \(\Delta \phi\) of adjacent antennas can be changed by a phase shifter. As a result, the array antenna beam can be electronically scanned in space, thereby replacing the mechanical scanning system, so the scanning speed of the antenna beam is more accurate and faster, and the flexibility is greater. At present, phased array radar systems generally use diode or ferrite for phase control. However, with the increasing complexity of phased array radar system, traditional phase shifters can no longer meet the needs. Therefore, the use of new materials, technologies, processes, and methods for better performance is a significant trend in the development of future phase shifters (Konforti et al. in Opt Lett 13:251–253, 1988).