Abstract: The present invention relates to a microwave component with an at least partially enclosed cavity, such as a microwave filter, a waveguide or a horn antenna, comprising an outer support structure (A) and an electric layer (C) which is made of pulse-plated silver and which is arranged on the inside of the support structure and faces the cavity. The microwave component is distinguished in that it further comprises a first inner protective layer of chemically precipitated gold (D), said a protective layer being arranged on the electric layer (C) and facing the cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of plating a substrate with a metal using an autocatalytic electroless plating bath wherein the bath is operated above its cloud point temperature such that at least two phases are present in the bath. An autocatalytic electroless plating bath for coating silver metal is also described. A method for autocatalytic plating of silver metal directly onto a silicon surface without the need for an intervening layer of metal is also disclosed. The deposits of silver obtained are uniform, non-porous and have electrical properties. The technique can be applied for different processes and bath formulations i.e. different metals, complexing agents and reducing agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microwave component with an at least partially enclosed cavity, such as a microwave filter, a waveguide or a horn antenna, comprising an outer support structure (A) and an electric layer (C) which is made of pulse-plated silver and which is arranged on the inside of the support structure and faces the cavity. The microwave component is distinguished in that it further comprises a first inner protective layer of chemically precipitated gold (D), said a protective layer being arranged on the electric layer (C) and facing the cavity.

Abstract: A microwave component with an at least partially enclosed cavity, such as a microwave filter, a waveguide or a horn antenna, includes an outer support structure and an electric layer which is made of pulse-plated silver and which is arranged on the inside of the support structure and faces the cavity. The microwave component further includes a first inner protective layer of chemically precipitated gold, the protective layer being arranged on the electric layer and facing the cavity.