3D microwave eaton lens fabricated by polymer jetting rapid prototyping

Guohong Du, Min Liang, Raffael Austrebert Sabory Garcia, Changjun Liu, Hao Xin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Eaton lens is a kind of gradient index (GRIN) device similar to Luneburg lens and Maxwell fisheye lens that the refractive index gradual varies spatially. It has some unique, enchanting properties that can be utilized in the design of antennas and radar targets. The refractive index distribution of a perfect Eaton lens that bends wave 90 degree satisfies (see Fig. 1(a) [1]): n2 = R/nr + √ (R/nr)2-1 (1) In this work, we designed, fabricated and characterized a microwave Eaton lens structure using a rapid prototyping 3D printer. The required continuously changing of relative permittivity was realized by changing the size of polymer blocks centered on the junctions of a plastic rod space frame. A 120 mm (4λ0 at 10 GHz) diameter lens is designed to work at X-band. The effective permittivity of the unit cell is calculated by effective medium theory and simulated with fullwave finite-element simulations. The center part of an ideal Eaton lens diverges to an infinite large refractive index which cannot be realized in practice. Instead, the center region is approximated by 100% filling of the polymer. A polymer jetting rapid prototyping method is implemented to fabricate the whole lens and the picture of the fabricated lens is shown in Figure 1(b). In the measurement, the lens antenna is fed by an X-band waveguide. The measured radiation pattern and near field distribution of the lens are both agree well with the simulation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2014 USNC-URSI Radio Science Meeting (Joint with AP-S Symposium), USNC-URSI 2014 - Proceedings
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages267
Number of pages1
ISBN (Electronic)9781479937462
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 12 2014
Event2014 USNC-URSI Radio Science Meeting (Joint with AP-S Symposium), USNC-URSI 2014 - Memphis, United States
Duration: Jul 6 2014Jul 11 2014

Publication series

Name2014 USNC-URSI Radio Science Meeting (Joint with AP-S Symposium), USNC-URSI 2014 - Proceedings

Other

Other2014 USNC-URSI Radio Science Meeting (Joint with AP-S Symposium), USNC-URSI 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMemphis
Period7/6/147/11/14

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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