Patent attributes
An apparatus for exchanging liquid crystal (LC) between two areas of an antenna array in an antenna and method for using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the antenna comprises an antenna element array formed using portions of first and second substrates with a liquid crystal (LC) therebetween, and a structure between the first and second substrates and in an area outside of, and at an outer periphery of, the antenna element array to collect LC from an area between the first and second substrates forming the RF antenna elements due to LC expansion and to provide LC to the area between the first and second substrates forming the RF antenna elements due to LC contraction, the structure having a plurality of support spacers between the first and second substrates.
