3D artificial impedance surfaces

Artificial impedance surfaces (AISs) fabricated with an array of metallic patches are used for holographic leaky-wave antennas, artificial magnetic conductors, high-impedance surfaces, frequency selective surfaces, etc. AISs are typically fabricated as 2D planar structures, but for some applications, it is desirable to have an AIS on a 3D surface. We present here a method for mapping AIS patterns onto arbitrary 3D surfaces with minimal distortion. This method can be used with direct-write printing. We also outline a method for using standard 2D printed circuit board techniques for realizing 3D AISs.