Quasi-Optical Directional Coupler Based on 3D-Printed Dielectric Image Lines for sub-THz Applications

Research output: Contribution to book/Conference proceedings/Anthology/Report › Conference contribution › Contributed › peer-review

Contributors

  • Leonhard Hahn - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • Lukas Bürk - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • Yu Zhu - , Chair of Circuit Design and Network Theory (Author)
  • Christian Carlowitz - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • Gerald Gold - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • Frank Ellinger - , Chair of Circuit Design and Network Theory (Author)
  • Martin Vossiek - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)

Abstract

This paper presents a 3D-printed dielectric directional coupler for the sub-THz band from 140GHz to 220GHz. In contrast to conventional coupling approaches, a quasi-optical operating principle is implemented, which is based on the insertion of a thin dielectric boundary within a dielectric image guide. Due to an intended permittivity shift, the boundary layer acts as a wavesplitter for incident HE11 waves, whose partial reflections are selectively controllable via material or geometry parameters. This results in significant advantages in terms of achievable bandwidth and required dimensions, while manufacturing costs and complexity are minimized at the same time using additive manufacturing. The realized coupler exhibits broadband matching of approx. 20dB, with high isolation of 25dB and achieves freely configurable, reproducible broadband coupling attenuation between 5dB and 15dB. Due to the remarkable simplicity and small size of the concept, this demonstrates a promising key component for low-loss, large-scale, dielectric sub-THz signal distribution networks.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2024 54th European Microwave Conference, EuMC 2024
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Pages208-211
Number of pages4
ISBN (electronic)978-2-87487-077-4
ISBN (print)979-8-3503-8589-2
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

Publication series

SeriesEuropean Microwave Conference (EuMC)

Conference

Title54th European Microwave Conference
Abbreviated titleEuMC 2024
Conference number54
Descriptionpart of European Microwave Week 2024
Duration24 - 26 September 2024
Website
CityParis
CountryFrance

Keywords

Keywords

  • 3D-printing, Dielectric image lines, directional coupler, quasi-optical, sub-THz