3D‑printed flexible antenna arrays could power wearable wireless devices and improve communications across various applications, according to a new study.
Researchers at Washington State University (WSU) have developed the antennae and a chip-sized processor using 3D printing techniques with ink made from copper nanoparticles.
This ink, developed in collaboration with researchers from the University of Maryland and Boeing, allows the antennae to remain stable when bent or exposed to high humidity, temperature variations or salt.
The processor chip corrects errant signals from the antennae in real time, enhancing the performance and electronic communications of the flexible wireless system.
Sreeni Poolakkal, co-first author and PhD student at WSU, said: “This proof-of-concept prototype paves the way for future smart textiles, drone or aircraft communications, edge sensing, and other rapidly evolving fields that require robust, flexible and high-performance wireless systems.”
While the aviation...