Design and Realization of a Dual Band/Broadband Linear to Circular Polarization Converter 3D Printed Through Metalized Stereolythography
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: This paper presents the design, fabrication, and validation of a novel linear-to-circular polarization converter for dual-polarization and dual-band Ka-band satellite antennas. The converter, based on a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) cell topology, addresses previous design limitations using Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA) technology and copper cladding. The lightweight, metallic structure achieves high conductivity while minimizing mass. Simulations of the polarizer installed on a high efficiency radiating element show outstanding performances, with an axial ratio (AR) below 1 dB in the TX band (17.3-20.2 GHz), and AR below 2.2 dB in the RX band ($27.5-30.5 \text{GHz}$), and reflection below −17 dB in both bands. Measurements show excellent agreements in RX higher band and fair agreement in lower TX bands, which leave room for future improvements. The unit cell simulation shows dual or broad bandwidth and very low losses, making it one of the best-performing polarizing screen to date.
Authors: Andrea Guarriello, Etienne Girard, Charalampos Stoumpos, Frederic Veron, Laszlo Sajti, Hervé Legay
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: European Space Agency
OpenAlex ID: W4410583174