Physics

Mathematics

Extremely high frequency

Optics

Composite material

Microstrip antenna

Antenna (radio)

Conformal antenna

Materials science

Geometry

Computer science

Conformal map

Optoelectronics

Polymer

Telecommunications

Coaxial antenna

IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters

This letter presents the design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a flexible millimeter-wave (mm-wave) antenna array for the fifth generation (5G) wireless networks operating at Ka-band (26.5-40 GHz). The single element antenna is comprised of a coplanar-waveguide-fed rectangular patch tapered at its sides with two vertically oriented slots. The ground is designed with L-shaped stubs to converge the dispersed radiation pattern for improving the directivity and gain. The antenna fabrication is accomplished by two advanced methods of laser-milling and inkjet printing on a thin film of flexible liquid crystal polymer. A novel and time-efficient method for postprinting sintering is also proposed in this letter. The design is extended in a two-element array for the gain enhancement. Measurements have validated that the proposed antenna array exhibits a bandwidth of 26-40 GHz with a peak gain of 11.35 dBi at 35 GHz, and consistent high gain profile of above 9 dBi in the complete Ka-band. These features recommend the proposed antenna array as an efficient solution for integration in future flexible 5G front ends and mm-wave wearable devices.

Millimeter-Wave Liquid Crystal Polymer Based Conformal Antenna Array for 5G Applications