Journal ArticleUltra-light antennas via charge programmed deposition additive manufacturingWang, Zhen (ORCID:0000000172794055); Hensleigh, Ryan; Xu, Zhenpeng (ORCID:0000000223804744); Wang, Junbo; Park, James JuYoung (ORCID:0009000485373064); Papathanasopoulos, Anastasios; Rahmat-Samii, Yahya; Rayne_Zheng, Xiaoyu<title>Abstract</title> <p>The demand for lightweight antennas in 5 G/6 G communication, wearables, and aerospace applications is rapidly growing. However, standard manufacturing techniques are limited in structural complexity and easy integration of multiple material classes. Here we introduce charge programmed multi-material additive manufacturing platform, offering unparalleled flexibility in antenna design and the capability for rapid printing of intricate antenna structures that are unprecedented or necessitate a series of fabrication routes. Demonstrating its potential, we present a transmitarray antenna composed of an interconnected, multi-layered array of dielectric/conductive S-ring unit cells, reducing 94% mass of conventional antenna configurations. A fully printed circular polarized transmitarray system fed by a source and a Risley prism antenna system operating at 19 GHz both show close alignment between testing results and numerical simulations. This printing method establishes a universal platform, propelling discovery of new antenna designs and enabling data-driven design and optimizations where rapid production of antenna designs is crucial.</p>Nature2025-12-0110664626Nature Communications1612041-1723https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-53513-w2309828National Science Foundation