Composite Material Antenna Refractive Index Gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lens antennas are bulky, sensitive to shape precision, and suffer from significant refraction, diffraction, and reflection issues, leading to poor performance and energy loss in electromagnetic wave propagation.
Innovation Solution
A man-made composite material with a curved surface refractive index distribution, where refractive indices increase with angle θ, designed to convert a plane electromagnetic wave into a spherical wave, reducing refraction, diffraction, and reflection by following a parabolic or elliptical arc, and comprising microstructures on a sheet-like substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lens is used to refract plane waves into spherical waves, then the lens can achieve directional propagation, but the lens becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter from uniform to non-uniform distribution. By designing a specific refractive index distribution n(r) that varies with radial distance from the optical axis, the lens achieves superior directional propagation performance while maintaining a thin, lightweight structure. The refractive index is highest at the optical axis and decreases toward the edges, creating the necessary phase correction without requiring bulky traditional lens geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures to achieve the desired refractive index distribution. By combining materials with different refractive indices in a layered or gradient configuration, the lens attains the required optical performance with significantly reduced weight compared to conventional solid lenses. This allows the lens to be both lightweight and highly effective at directional propagation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the lens shape is not precise, then manufacturing is easier, but the directional propagation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the critical parameter from geometric shape precision to refractive index distribution control. Instead of requiring extremely precise lens shaping, the invention achieves directional propagation by controlling the refractive index parameter across the lens aperture. This allows for more tolerant manufacturing processes while maintaining high performance, as the optical function is determined by material properties rather than precise geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a spatially varying refractive index distribution within the lens. Different regions of the lens have different refractive indices tailored to their specific function in wavefront correction. This local variation in material property allows the lens to achieve precise optical control without requiring high global geometric precision, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining performance.
3Device complexity
If abrupt transitions of refractive indices are used, then the lens structure is simple, but refraction, diffraction and reflection losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the refractive index transition from abrupt to gradual. By designing a continuous or smoothly varying refractive index distribution n(r) that transitions from the central value to the edge value, the lens eliminates sudden impedance mismatches. This gradual transition minimizes reflection and diffraction losses while maintaining structural simplicity, as the refractive index variation is built into the material gradient rather than requiring complex layered structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies curvature to the refractive index distribution profile, creating a smooth, continuous variation rather than abrupt steps. The refractive index follows a curved transition pattern (such as Gaussian or polynomial profiles) that naturally reduces discontinuities. This curved parameter distribution minimizes wavefront distortions and energy losses from reflection and diffraction while keeping the lens structure simple and unified.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Significantly improves the performance of the composite material and antenna by minimizing interferences and enhancing directional propagation, leading to more efficient electromagnetic wave conversion and reduced energy loss.
Implementation Method 1
the lens can be used to refract a plane wave into a spherical wave which appears to be radiated from a point light source located at a virtual focus of the lens
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a man-made composite material and a man-made composite material antenna. The man-made composite material is disposed in a propagation direction of a plane electromagnetic wave and convert it into a spherical wave. Reverse extensions of the spherical wave intersect at a virtual focus. A line connecting the virtual focus to a point on the second surface of the man-made composite material and a line perpendicular to the man-made composite material form an angle θ therebetween, which uniquely corresponds to a curved surface in the man-made composite material. A set formed by points having the same angle θ forms a boundary of the curved surface to which the angle θ uniquely corresponds. Each point on the curved surface to which the angle θ uniquely corresponds has a same refractive index. Refractive indices of the man-made composite material increase gradually as the angle θ increases.