On the Utility of 3D Printing for the Design of Meanderline Polarizers

Abstract

To achieve circular polarization (CP) from a linearly polarized (LP) antenna, we typically use polarizers. These structures, often referred to as circular polarizers, use layers of printed highly conducting meandered lines separated by dielectric spacers [1]. The latter are often chosen to be lightweight, low permittivity foam, for example Rohacell. As an extension of this concept, discussed herein is the replacement of homogenous commercial off-the-shelf foam spacers with a dielectric lattice. This structure is fabricated using 3D printing, resulting in lower lead times, lower costs, and increased customizability. In this work, we integrate a meanderline polarizer (MLP) with a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) unit-cell using artificial 3D printed dielectric.