On the Axial Phase Anomaly for Microwave Lenses*

Abstract

The behavior of the phase along the axis of aberration-free microwave lenses is shown by curves of the axial phase anomaly calculated from scalar Kirchhoff diffraction theory. These curves are drawn for three different wavelengths and two typical focal lengths. Also illustrated in the calculated results are the errors introduced by the use of certain geometrical approximations commonly employed in light optics.Detailed experimental measurements have been made of the electric field along the axis in the point-source image produced by solid dielectric lenses at a wavelength of 3.2 cm. Despite the limited size of the exit pupil (radius approximately 8 wavelengths) the agreement between the measured values of the axial phase anomaly and those calculated from scalar theory is very good except within about one lens radius of the lens surface.