Discrete Dielectric Lens Antenna for 3D Near-Field Focus Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional focus-steering devices for terahertz systems are bulky, slow, and have limited field of view, making them unsuitable for fast and compact imaging applications.
Innovation Solution
A novel 3D near-field focus-steering lens antenna using a pair of discrete dielectric lenses that can be counter-rotated and co-rotated, with linear translation, to steer the focal point radially, azimuthally, and longitudinally, enabling fast imaging with a large field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional bulky refractive lenses or Gregorian reflectors are used for focus steering, then focus position can be adjusted by mechanical tilting, but the system becomes unwieldy, slow, and has limited field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single bulky lens into a pair of smaller discrete dielectric lenses that can be independently rotated. This segmentation allows each lens to be lighter and more manageable while collectively achieving the focus-steering function through their combined rotational movements, resolving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and system bulkiness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic rotational movement of the lens pair around the z-axis to achieve focus steering, replacing the static bulky mechanical tilting systems. The lenses can rotate synchronously or asynchronously to dynamically adjust the focal position, making the system more agile and less unwieldy while maintaining positioning capability
2Measurement precision
If mechanical apparatuses are used to move the entire system for focus manipulation, then focus position can be changed, but the system has intrinsic limits in weight, integration and imaging time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic rotational movement of the discrete lenses around the z-axis to steer the focus beam, replacing slow mechanical translation of entire systems. This rotational mechanism enables faster focus repositioning and beam steering, significantly reducing imaging time while maintaining focus control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical apparatus that moves the entire system with a rotational lens pair mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy system-wide mechanical movement, reducing weight and integration complexity while enabling faster focus manipulation through localized lens rotation
3Measurement precision
If conventional refractive/reflective components are used, then focus steering is possible, but the field of view is limited to 1.1°×1.1°
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds rotational freedom around the z-axis to the conventional linear focus-steering mechanism. By enabling the lens pair to rotate in the azimuthal direction in addition to radial positioning, the system expands from a limited 1.1°×1.1° field of view to a much broader 80°×80° field of view, greatly enhancing adaptability while maintaining focus steering capability
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
The solution provides a compact, lightweight, and high-repeatability focus-steering capability with a large field of view of 80°×80°, reducing undesired interference and improving signal-to-noise ratio in terahertz imaging applications.
Implementation Method 1
first and second rotatable discrete dielectric metalenses, each metalens including arrays of subwavelength dielectric projections... In-plane synchronous counter-rotation and co-rotation of the lens pair steers its near-field focus radially and azimuthally
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a novel lens antenna with a 3D near-field focus-steering capability that operates at gigahertz and terahertz frequencies. The novel antenna includes a pair of discrete dielectric lenses fed by a stationary horn source. In-plane synchronous counter-rotation and co-rotation of the lens pair steers its near-field focus radially and azimuthally, respectively, while linear translation of the upper lens moves the focal point longitudinally. The steering focus beam enables fast imaging. In imaging applications, the radiated beam from the novel lens antenna focused in the target area can reduce undesired interference from neighboring structures and increase the system dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio.