The Evolution of Printed Lens and Transmitarray Antennas: Navigating representative past, present, and future designs and manufacturing techniques

The IEEE Society’s 140th anniversary and the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society’s 75th anniversary mark significant milestones in their enduring academic and industrial contributions. Notably, there is a discernible rise in demand for high-performance antennas, continually challenging the boundaries of manufacturing techniques. Innovations in manufacturing act as catalysts, propelling researchers and engineers to explore unconventional design paradigms and push modern antenna performance limits. The evolution of printed lens and transmitarray antenna technologies exemplifies collaborative out-of-the-box developments at the intersection of antenna design and manufacturing methods. In this invited review article, we delineate key advancements in lens and transmitarray antenna manufacturing technologies and their consequential impact on antenna design methodologies. Commencing with foundational techniques, such as milling and injection molding, advancing through printed circuit board (PCB) processes, and culminating in the cutting-edge capabilities of 3D printing, this article reviews the chronological progression that significantly enhances the design possibilities and functionality of lens and transmitarray antennas. Ample representative references are provided to facilitate further exploration of research conducted by other researchers.