A Lightweight Metalized-Insert Luneburg Lens

In this paper, a lightweight spherical Luneburg lens with high performance is introduced for use in the frequency range 1 (FR1). The continuously varying refractive index profile of the lens is implemented using a quasi-isotropic partially metalized periodic structure. Much of the lens volume is made of foam, so the design is lightweight, making it applicable for low-band microwave frequency communication systems and, more specifically, 5G communications in FR1. The periodic structure allows a simple and low-cost layered construction with a quasi-isotropic response. This approach improves the scanning performance of the lens in all angular directions when compared to equivalent lens designs previously reported. Such a structure is an ideal candidate for high-gain multi-beam communication systems.