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About

Michael H. Francis is a specialist in antenna measurement systems and millimeter-wave technology, primarily affiliated with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). His research has significantly advanced the field of near-field antenna measurements, particularly at millimeter-wave frequencies above 100 GHz. Francis is perhaps best known for his pioneering work on the Configurable Robotic Millimeter-Wave Antenna (CROMMA) facility, a cost-effective robotic scanning system that has reshaped how near-field measurements are conducted at extreme frequencies, garnering 72 citations since its 2015 publication. His development of multi-purpose antenna test ranges employing six-axis commercial robots and laser trackers has demonstrated that precision antenna testing need not rely on prohibitively expensive custom hardware. Francis has also explored emerging fabrication technologies, investigating the viability of 3D-printed, all-metal feed horns for CubeSat applications at 118.75 GHz — work that bridges advanced manufacturing with space-grade hardware requirements. Further contributions include innovations in bi-directional S-parameter calibration techniques for millimeter-wave systems. Across his career, Francis has consistently pushed the boundaries of antenna metrology, making high-frequency measurement more accessible, accurate, and adaptable for both research and commercial applications.