Microfluidic Frequency Tunable Three-Dimensional Printed Antenna

Fengzhou Wang*, Tughrul Arslan

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract / Description of output

This paper investigates the possibility of using 3D printing together with fluidic channels for efficient and low-cost implementation of tunable microwave components. A frequency-tunable antenna is proposed and simulated using CST Microwave Studio (MWS). The design is printed with an acrylic based polymer, blanket metallized with a thin copper layer and fed with a 50 Omega Coplanar Waveguide (CPW). Frequency tunability for the proposed antenna is achieved by filling different amounts of Eutectic Gallium-Indium (EGaIn) into meandered and interconnected 3D printed fluidic channels bonded with Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) material. The assembled antenna is characterized by measuring the operating frequency range from 2.6GHz to 8GHz in simulations. Details of the designed reconfigurable antenna simulation results such as return loss and radiation patterns are discussed. The results demonstrate the potential of the antenna as low cost, wideband and reconfigurable alternative which could be used in modern UWB communication and sensor systems.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2017 IEEE MTT-S INTERNATIONAL MICROWAVE WORKSHOP SERIES ON ADVANCED MATERIALS AND PROCESSES FOR RF AND THZ APPLICATIONS (IMWS-AMP)
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Number of pages3
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-5386-0480-9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Jan 2018
EventIEEE MTT-S International Microwave Workshop Series on Advanced Materials and Processes for RF and THz Applications (IMWS-AMP) - Pavia, Italy
Duration: 20 Sept 201722 Sept 2017

Conference

ConferenceIEEE MTT-S International Microwave Workshop Series on Advanced Materials and Processes for RF and THz Applications (IMWS-AMP)
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityPavia
Period20/09/1722/09/17

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • Reconfigurable antenna
  • 3D printing technology
  • Fluidic channel
  • Liquid metal

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