Design of a ka-band 3d-printed dual-polarization magnetoelectric dipole antenna array with low sidelobe

A Ka-band dual-polarization magnetoelectric (ME) dipole antenna array based on three-dimensional (3D)-printed technology with low sidelobe level (SLL) is proposed in this paper. The metal posts and cross-slots are explored to build a novel subarray with 2 × 2-unit ME-dipoles as the basic element. Creatively, a square waveguide to cross-slots transition with a pyramid horn cavity structure is investigated to feed the ME-dipole subarray. Furthermore, two types of power-tapering corporate-feed networks with laminated structures are used to design an 8 × 8-unit low-SLL array. The fabricated array has a relative bandwidth (VSWR < 2) of 14.3% and 17.1%, with a realized gain higher than 25.8 dBi and 26.1 dBi for the H-pol. and V-pol., respectively. The maximum radiation efficiency for both arrays is 73.2%. The measured first sidelobe levels are less than –17.5 dB for both polarizations. With competitive performance and low fabrication cost, the proposed dual-polarization ME-dipole antenna array would be valuable for polarization-agile radar and communication systems.