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

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.