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Design and characterization of a foam-based Mikaelian lens antennas in millimeter waves

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 July 2014

Jonathan Bor*
Affiliation:
Complex Radiating Systems, Université de Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, 263 Avenue du Général Leclerc, Rennes Cedex 35042, France
Benjamin Fuchs
Affiliation:
Complex Radiating Systems, Université de Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, 263 Avenue du Général Leclerc, Rennes Cedex 35042, France
Olivier Lafond
Affiliation:
Complex Radiating Systems, Université de Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, 263 Avenue du Général Leclerc, Rennes Cedex 35042, France
Mohamed Himdi
Affiliation:
Complex Radiating Systems, Université de Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, 263 Avenue du Général Leclerc, Rennes Cedex 35042, France
*
Corresponding author: J. Bor Email: jonathan.bor@univ-rennes1.fr

Abstract

The design principles and radiation performances of Mikaelian lens antennas are presented. The ways to manufacture gradient index lenses are briefly reviewed. An innovative technique based on the variation of the foam density is described and applied to the Mikaelian lenses. This yields low cost and lightweight gradient index lenses. The focusing properties of Mikaelian lenses are compared numerically to Luneburg lenses. A foam-based planar Mikaelian lens antenna is manufactured and its radiation performances are characterized at 60 GHz. With its flat shape in contact to the primary source, the cylindrical Mikaelian lens turns out to be, for focusing purposes, an interesting alternative to the well-known Luneburg lens.

Type
Research Paper
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and the European Microwave Association 2014 

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References

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