3D printed alumina for low-loss millimeter wave components

This paper compares the performance of three different materials and processing techniques suitable for low-loss mm-Wave components. The comparison is made by fabricating the same 2D photonic crystal structure in the W-band. Rogers RT/duroid ® 6010.2LM and high resistive silicon are milled and etched, respectively. In addition, a novel technique consisting of 3D printed alumina is tested and its performance is compared with the technologies and materials above, which all have similar relative permittivities of around ten. The material characterization is carried out by means of high-Q resonator samples integrated into 2D photonic crystal structures. The results of these samples prove the high material purity and low loss of the 3D printed alumina structures, which opens up the use of this technology for high-permittivity low-loss mm-Wave components.