Wide-angle passive beam steering using 3D modified partial Maxwell fisheye lens

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetics and Optics
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Antenna and Microwave Engineering

Background:

• Beam-steering lenses are crucial for advanced communication and sensing systems.
• Existing designs often face limitations in terms of steering range, cost, or complexity.
• Gradient index (GRIN) optics offers a promising avenue for novel lens functionalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and validate a broadband, 3D gradient index beam-steering lens.
• To explore the application of fused filament fabrication for realizing complex dielectric structures.
• To demonstrate a low-cost, wide-angle passive beam-steering solution.

Main Methods:

• Optimization of a partial Maxwell fisheye (PMFE) design for 3D gradient index properties.
• Utilizing a novel polar space-filling curve (PSFC) for precise control of effective permittivity distribution.
• Fabrication via fused filament fabrication (FFF) and experimental validation of performance.

Main Results:

• Achieved a boresight gain of 23 dBi.
• Demonstrated beam steering from -80° to 80°.
• Observed less than 10 dB gain roll-off across the steering range.

Conclusions:

• The study presents the first known 3D implementation of a PMFE-type lens.
• The developed lens offers a feasible and cost-effective solution for wide-angle passive beam steering.
• The design has potential for diverse applications in areas requiring agile beam control.