A fast and convenient method to 3D print and metalize circular waveguide components is demonstrated using polylactic acid (PLA) and aluminum adhesive backed tape. A gradient index (GRIN) lens, an externally metalized thin-walled conical horn, and a WR90 rectangular to linearly polarized circular waveguide transition are simulated, fabricated, and measured. The horn and lens were both monolithic prints that were externally metallized to simplify the metallization process. Both the horn and lens have a measured operational bandwidth of 8.2 GHz to 12.4 GHz with an input reflection less than −15 dB and peak gain of 18.7 dBi at mid-band. The walls of the thin-wall horn are printed at a thickness such that the dielectric layer does not impact the performance of the horn while being robust enough to support external metallization. The lensed horn functioned as the support for the aluminum foil while also improving the radiation pattern by improving the $\vec {E}$ SLL by up to 15 dB compared to the thin-walled horn antenna.

中文翻译：

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3D 打印线性偏振 X 波段锥形喇叭天线和镜头

使用聚乳酸 (PLA) 和铝背胶胶带演示了一种快速便捷的 3D 打印和金属化圆形波导组件的方法。对梯度折射率 (GRIN) 透镜、外部金属化薄壁锥形喇叭和 WR90 矩形到线性偏振圆形波导过渡进行了仿真、制造和测量。喇叭和镜头都是单片印刷，外部金属化以简化金属化过程。喇叭和透镜的测量工作带宽均为 8.2 GHz 至 12.4 GHz，输入反射小于 -15 dB，中频带峰值增益为 18.7 dBi。薄壁喇叭的壁印刷的厚度使得介电层不会影响喇叭的性能，同时足够坚固以支持外部金属化。 $\vec {E}$与薄壁喇叭天线相比，SLL 高达 15 dB。