Lightweight cavity filter structure

Embodiments provide a novel fabrication method and structure for reducing structural weight in radio frequency cavity filters and novel filter structure. The novel filter structure is fabricated by electroplating the required structure over a mold. The electrodeposited composite layer may be formed by several layers of metal or metal alloys with compensating thermal expansion coefficients. The first or the top layer is a high conductivity material or compound such as silver having a thickness of several times the skin-depth at the intended frequency of operation. The top layer provides the vital low loss performance and high Q-factor required for such filter structures while the subsequent compound layers provide the mechanical strength.