Additive-Manufactured, Highly-Conductive Metasurfaces, with Application Enabling Secondary Properties, for Microwave Waveguide Components

A novel design and fabrication technique for complex microwave waveguide components has been developed. Open cellular structures, characterized by effective medium theory, are used as a replacement conventional highly-conductive materials. The is enabled advancements in additive manufacturing metal deposition techniques. Components that can be fabricated vat polymerization followed electroless of copper, specifically addressed. open structure allows fluid penetration to the internal surfaces, allowing more uniform throughout part. This makes it feasible fabricate electrically conductive, complex, multi-function, monolithic parts, something which proven difficult with techniques, even recent developments manufacturing. Effective conductivity values reported structures practically fabricated. characterization meta surface, not only easy adoption into existing work flows, but also enables exploration new designs, since properties material easily manipulated changing fine details mesh. Because extra degrees freedom offered process, possible improve performance secondary such as: size, weight, thermal management characteristics.