Milliwave rf device based on flexible and deformable materials with low dielectric constant and dielectric loss

Abstract

A low loss flexible copper clad laminate (FCCL) for millimeter wave transmission with a dielectric layer comprising an electrospun nanofiber network of cyclized polyacrylonitrile, formed between conducting copper layers. The cyclized polyacrylonitrile has improved thermal stability over its uncyclized form while maintaining a higher porosity, which further enables the infusion of a second resin of low dielectric constant and low dielectric loss to increase compatibility between the conducting copper layers and nanofibers, and the compatibility between nanofibers, which further enhances the dielectric properties and structural integrity of the FCCL. The FCCL, apart from its low dielectric constant, has performances comparable with existing ultra-low loss materials but with lower costs, and can be utilized as a passive RF component in high-frequency transmission devices including flexible antennas and transmission lines, decreasing the transmission loss due to Joule heating and signal lagging, specifically suited for various high frequency signal transmission applications.