A Full Ka-Band Low-Loss and Monolithically 3-D Printed Dual-Polarized Waveguide Power Divider Based on Shaped Double-Ridged Boifot Junction

This paper reports on a new class of wideband, low-loss, and monolithically integrated dual-polarized power divider with a 3-D-printing-compatible geometry. The power divider is based on a double-ridged Boifot junction enabling polarization splitting of two orthogonal TE10/TE01 modes in a square waveguide. Particularly, the Boifot junction is geometrically shaped according to a designer-specified orientation of 3-D printing. The shaping facilitates monolithic prototyping of the power divider model by enhancing structural compatibility with 3-D printing process, without compromising any RF performance. Design and implementation of a Ka-band power divider prototype are presented. The power divider is manufactured monolithically by using heat-resistant resin-based Polyjet 3-D printing and electroless copper plating processes. It demonstrates a full Ka-band power dividing characteristic in both orientations of polarization with good reflection (<-15 dB), transmission (averagely -3.5 dB), and isolation (mostly >30 dB) performance.