Enhanced multipactor performance in 3D printed microwave parts

An in-depth secondary emission characterization for metal additive manufactured samples has been performed to assess the impact of the surface roughness in this parameter. Three samples has been 3D printed, post-processed with two different treatments and tested. The results shown a secondary emission improvement with considering as-built parts while is getting closer to the flat aluminum surface values when a post-process for improving the surface roughness is applied. The roughness from additively manufactured surfaced could be exploited to reduce the surface secondary emission and, hence, to increase the power for multipactor discharge.