Compact parallel-plate waveguide half-Luneburg geodesic lens in the Ka-band

Abstract

A parallel-plate waveguide half-Luneburg geodesic lens is designed and experimentally validated in the Ka-band. The geodesic lens profile is modulated using spline functions to reduce its height, while the symmetry halving the lens enables reduction of its in-plane dimensions. This design provides high gain, equivalent to that of a full-Luneburg lens, over a reduced angular range of ±20° to ±30° in azimuth. The specific design reported here has a maximum realized gain of 23.3 dBi in measurement, compared with 23.8 dBi for a full-Luneburg lens twice the size of this design. Very wideband operation is demonstrated both in simulations and measurements. This design is of interest for applications having limited space like millimetre-wave systems on board cubesats and small satellites.