Development of a dual frequency, folded topology, dielectric waveguide lens antenna
Abstract
There is an emerging need for antennas capable of operating in the field of high power microwaves (HPMs) especially those which exhibit high gain, wide bandwidth, and steering. Conventional high gain antennas are often based on large and heavy metal structures which may be reflector based. The weight of a simulated all metal antenna design with the desired gain, bandwidth, and steering was calculated as between 2,000 and 4,000 pounds. Due to a 400-500-pound weight constraint an innovative approach based on a nanodielectric material developed by the Center for Physical and Power Electronics was evaluated. A radiating lens for high power RF has been developed using MU100, a nanocomposite, which exhibits both a high dielectric strength ([approximately] 250 kV/cm) and a high dielectric constant ([approximately] 100) along with a ceramic anti-reflection layer. The material can be manufactured reproducibly in a range of sizes and can be machined to the desired shape. A ceramic with a dielectric constant (10) is utilized between the nanocomposite and the target medium to construct a graded lens capable of coupling to a variety of mediums by adjusting the lens. These lens elements are constructed into an 8x16 element design with a simulated gain of 26.6 dBi with a 3.5 m2 aperture and 0.2 m depth at 1.35 GHz. The antenna system can operate over a wide bandwidth of approximately 250 MHz in the L-Band (1-2 GHz) with a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) beneath 1.5 while weighing approximately 400 pounds.
Degree
M.S.
Thesis Department
Rights
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