Rupesh Pawar

Reactive Inkjet-Printed Metasurface Lens Antennas: Fabrication, Characterization, and Process Optimization

This research explores the fabrication, characterization, and process optimization of reactive inkjet-printed metasurface lens antennas for enhanced communication technologies. The study focuses on a cost-effective approach utilizing a low-cost HP Deskjet 1212 inkjet printer to produce highly conducting silver nanostructures on paper substrates. The metasurface array, consisting of a 5×5 arrangement of square conducting silver unit cells, is crafted on a paper substrate, demonstrating advantages such as easy fabrication, lightweight, and planar configuration. The fabrication process involves a novel print-expose-develop technique, eliminating the need for ink formulation and subsequent sintering.

Material characterization encompasses dimensional analysis, silver loading assessment, electrical conductivity analysis, and morphology examination. Results indicate precise dimensional accuracy within the λ/100 limit and a direct relationship between the number of printing cycles and deposition thickness and silver loading. The fabricated antenna undergoes comprehensive evaluation through measurements of reflection coefficients (S11) and gain enhancement, showcasing the positive impact of increased silver loading on electrical performance. The study establishes a promising avenue for the scalable and cost-effective production of metasurface lens antennas through reactive inkjet printing, addressing challenges associated with traditional manufacturing methods.