Hybrid Additive Manufacture of Conformal Antennas

M. R. Nekouie Esfahani (Lead / Corresponding author), M. P. Shuttleworth, R. A. Harris, R. W. Kay, V. Doychinov (Lead / Corresponding author), I. D. Robertson, J. Marques-Hueso (Lead / Corresponding author), T. D. A. Jones, A. Ryspayeva, M. P. Y. Desmulliez

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

    4 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    This paper presents a new digitally driven manufacturing process chain for the production of high performance, three-dimensional RF devices. This is achieved by combining Fused Filament Fabrication of polyetherimide based polymer with selective light-based synthesis of silver nanoparticles and electrochemical deposition of copper. The resultant manufacturing method produces devices with excellent DC electrical resistivity (6.68 μΩ cm) and dielectric properties (relative permittivity of 2.67 and loss tangent of 0.001). Chemically modifying and patterning the substrate to produce the metallization overcomes many of the limitations of direct write deposition methods resulting in improved performance, adhesion and resolution of the antenna pattern. The fabricated demonstrators cover a broadband range of 0.1 GHz - 10 GHz and the measured results show a direct agreement with the simulated design over a wide frequency band. Overall the materials used as a substrate have a low relative permittivity and lower dielectric loss than FR-4, thereby making them well suited for antenna applications.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication2018 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Workshop Series on Advanced Materials and Processes for RF and THz Applications (IMWS-AMP)
    PublisherIEEE
    Pages1-3
    Number of pages3
    ISBN (Electronic)9781538655696
    ISBN (Print)9781538655702
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 6 Sept 2018
    Event2018 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Workshop Series on Advanced Materials and Processes for RF and THz Applications (IMWS-AMP) - Ann Arbor, MI
    Duration: 16 Jul 201818 Jul 2018

    Publication series

    Name2018 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Workshop Series on Advanced Materials and Processes for RF and THz Applications, IMWS-AMP 2018

    Conference

    Conference2018 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Workshop Series on Advanced Materials and Processes for RF and THz Applications (IMWS-AMP)
    Period16/07/1818/07/18

    Keywords

    • 3D Printing
    • Conformal Antennas
    • Additive Manufacturing
    • Capsule Antennas
    • Polyetherimide

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
    • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
    • Computer Networks and Communications

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