Merck launches liquid crystal-based smart antenna solution

On March 29, German technology company Merck announced the launch of licriOn™, a liquid crystal-based smart antenna solution. The solution uses electronically steered beams and uses customized molecules with optimized microwave properties, allowing new antennas to improve modern data communications. These new antennas can be easily connected to static or dynamic satellites. The solution is highly energy- and cost-effective, enabling massive connectivity access, even in remote areas where fast Internet connections are not available.

(Image source: Merck)

“Fast and reliable internet access is an important driver of development and progress. With the launch of licriOn™, Merck is demonstrating its commitment to addressing the world’s greatest challenges with science and technology,” said Michael Heckmeier, Head of the Display Solutions business unit in Merck’s electronics business. “With its expertise in liquid crystals in this application area, Merck is creating new opportunities for people who lack reliable internet access. We are confident that Merck’s smart antenna technology will advance digital living.”

High-performance antennas are an essential part of modern wireless communication systems. Higher frequencies often require antenna beam steering to improve the quality of the connection between transmitting and receiving stations. In certain applications, such as satellite broadband for non-geostationary satellites, high-performance antennas are indispensable. Thanks to combining an array of antenna elements with a thin layer of licriOn™ liquid crystals, licriOn™-based antennas can steer the beam electronically without physical alignment. The antenna switches to liquid crystals at the molecular level, enabling powerful, precise and energy-efficient beam steering.

Smart antennas based on licriOnTM not only have excellent performance, but are also more compact and consume less energy. Compared with traditional solutions, their manufacturing costs are also greatly reduced, and they do not need to be maintained, repaired or replaced as frequently as their mechanical counterparts. These smart antennas are very flat and more compact than previous antennas, allowing for modular design, so they can be easily and seamlessly integrated into ships, aircraft and vehicles.

Thanks to new satellite constellations, it is now possible to connect vehicles, machines or mobile phones in the most remote corners of the world. But to unleash the full potential of the networks, a new generation of smart antennas is needed. Ubiquitous connectivity also requires versatile, energy-efficient and affordable technologies.

licriOn™, powered by Merck’s liquid crystal technology, meets these needs. Merck has been researching liquid crystal materials for more than 110 years and has recently made major breakthroughs that enable large amounts of data transmission and high-speed connectivity. Liquid crystal technology plays an important role in technology megatrends such as 5G, smart cities and future mobility. Thanks to its energy efficiency and reasonable price, and as the Internet continues to influence people’s education, business and social activities, the technology will also greatly improve the lives of people in remote and underdeveloped areas.