Dielectric Gratings Enhancing the Field of View in Low Dielectric Permittivity Elliptical Lenses

Low relative permittivity plastic elliptical lenses in combination with integrated focal plane arrays are a promising solution to be used in the future mm- and sub-mm-wave systems. Their appeal lies in the availability of materials with moderate loss and lightweight, and the possibility to use cost-effective manufacturing techniques. However, the achievable scanning angular range is relatively small with low permittivity lenses. In this article, we explore the use of dielectric gratings with modulated height integrated in the lens material, with the aim of enlarging the steering angle. The dielectric gratings synthesize a tilted feed pattern, reducing the reflection loss and spillover when illuminating the lens off-focus. A quasi-analytic approach based on the Floquet mode analysis of the gratings is used to synthesize the grating profile. This method is combined with an analysis in reception of the lens antenna. A wideband prototype in
$G$
-band (140–220 GHz) has been fabricated, achieving a field of view of ±25° with gain >30 dBi.