A 3D Printed TE10 Rectangular to TE01 Circular Waveguide Transition for Polymer Waveguide Characterization

In this paper we present a copper plated 3D printed implementation of the Marié rectangular to circular waveguide transition. The copper plated 3D printed structure allows to overcome machining limitation when dealing with curved surfaces, confining the signal propagation in air, thus avoiding losses from the printing polymers. Waveguide flanges are employed at both the rectangular (WR-12) and circular port to perform a full TRL calibration when the transitions are used in a VNA environment. A step diameter taper is used on the circular port of the transition to facilitate testing of circular polymer waveguides of different diameters. Experimental characterization is carried out for multiple samples of polymer (i.e., Teflon) waveguides in the 65–90 GHz range.