3D printed metalized-polymer UWB high-gain Vivaldi antennas

This paper introduces a UWB high gain Vivaldi antenna fabricated with a polymer-based 3D printer. 3D printing technology allows for simple fabrication that is easier, faster, and lower cost compared to traditional microfabrication and metal fabrication techniques. Two 3D printed designs are presented, the first of which is a simple Vivaldi notch antenna with a radiating slotline cavity. The second design consists of a bilateral Vivaldi with a partially covered cavity, which increases the bandwidth and gain of the antenna. Both designs are printed with an acrylic-based polymer, blanket metalized with a thin copper layer, and fed with a 50 Ω coaxial feed. Both antennas show an extremely wide bandwidth of approximately 14 GHz from 4 to 18 GHz. In addition, the maximum gain of the antennas is approximately 12 dB. The measured results match well with the simulated results, showing the potential for these antennas as low cost, wideband, high gain alternatives which could be used in modern UWB communication systems.