3-D Printed Zirconia Ceramic Archimedean Spiral Antenna: Theory and Performance in Comparison With Its Metal Counterpart

Based on the radiation from high-permittivity dielectric waveguide and ceramic three-dimensional (3-D) printing technology, a dielectric Archimedean spiral antenna made of zirconia is proposed in this letter. Its operational mechanism and performance are here discussed in comparison with its metal counterpart. It is found that although the radiation principles of metal and dielectric spiral antennas are different, similar impedance and radiation characteristics can be achieved. Moreover, compared with the conventional metal spiral antenna, the proposed dielectric one possesses lower profile, lower radar cross section at high-frequency spectrum (9-13 GHz), and better prospect on radiation efficiency. The profile of fabricated antenna prototype is 9.5 mm and the radiation efficiency is more than 92%. The measured impedance and axial ratio bandwidths cover from 4.65 to 6.23 GHz and 4.75 to 6.1 GHz, respectively, with the maximal radiation gain of 9 dBic. The proposed antenna is suitable for C-band electronic countermeasures and navigation systems. This study provides a novel dielectric Archimedean spiral antenna, as well as its unique characteristics compared withthe metal counterpart.