Ultra-Lightweight Transmitarray Antenna Enabled by Charge-Programmed Three-Dimensional Multi-Material Printing

We for the first time introduce charge-programmed three-dimensional (3D) multi-material printing to large-aperture antenna fabrication, and present the development of a circularly-polarized, ultra-lightweight transmitarray antenna at 19 GHz. This transmitarray contains three layers of metallic patterns spaced by dielectric supporting structures. This entire antenna is manufactured in a single-step process, in contrast to the traditional methods using printed circuit board process which requires alignment and bonding of multiple layers. Significant weight reduction in the antenna is achieved by selectively printing the supporting dielectric material. The 12-cm-diameter transmi-tarray weighs only 5 g, which can be an order of magnitude reduction compared to one based on common laminate.