RF Shielding for Aircraft Windows

Abstract

A window includes a pane and a geometrically patterned grid. The grid is embedded in the pane and the grid comprises an electrically conductive material and is operable to attenuate radio frequency (RF) energy.

1 . A window comprising;
 a pane; and   a geometrically patterned grid embedded in the pane, the grid comprising an electrically conductive material and operable to attenuate radio frequency (RF) energy.   
   
   
       2 . The window of  claim 1  wherein the grid is electrically connected to ground. 
   
   
       3 . The window of  claim 1  wherein the grid is comprised of generally square openings. 
   
   
       4 . The window of  claim 1  wherein the grid is comprised of generally triangular openings. 
   
   
       5 . The window of  claim 1  wherein the grid is comprised of at least one fractal-derived shape. 
   
   
       6 . A method of attenuating radio frequency (RF) energy in a window comprising:
 providing a pane;   forming a geometrically patterned grid of electrically conductive material;   embedding a geometrically patterned grid in the pane;   receiving RF energy at the pane; and   attenuating the received RF energy utilizing the grid.   
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising electrically connecting the grid to ground. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 6  wherein forming a geometrically patterned grid comprises forming the grid of generally square openings. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 6  wherein forming a geometrically patterned grid comprises forming the grid of generally triangular openings. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 6  wherein forming a geometrically patterned grid comprises forming of at least one fractal-derived shape.