Design, simulation, and fabrication of microstrip lens with non-uniform contour for 360 degree scanning

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn designing lens as a beamformer, the phase error is one of the most important challenges. Non-focal lens design for 360-degree scanning is the sufficient method for reducing phase error. In this paper, a novel method for reducing phase error of 360-degree scanning non-focal lens has introduced by considering nonlinear contour as a new optimization parameter based on Fourier series expansion. The average phase error is lowered by about 40% in comparison with previously reported work. To evaluate the proposed method, the non-focal lens has been implemented at 10 GHz and measurements are in good agreement with simulation results. The Results show improvements of array factor in side lobe level, beam direction and uniformity of beam width at 10 GHz. The bandwidth of the structure is 2 GHz. Because of the unique features of this lens, it can be used in 5G systems.