Integrated Lenslet-Antenna Millimeter-Wave Imager
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing millimeter wave imagers face challenges in sensitivity and collection efficiency due to air gaps between lenslets and antenna elements, which degrade antenna patterns and reduce radiation transfer.
Innovation Solution
Integration of lenslets with antenna elements in millimeter-wave radiation imaging arrays, eliminating air gaps and providing impedance matching, enhances radiation collection and sensitivity by directing electromagnetic radiation directly to the antenna elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lenslets are integrated with antenna elements to eliminate air gaps, then collection efficiency and sensitivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lenslet and antenna element are merged into a single integrated structure, eliminating the air gap between them. This integration ensures optimal coupling of electromagnetic radiation from the lenslet to the antenna element, improving collection efficiency and sensitivity while maintaining a compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lenslet is positioned in close proximity to and effectively nested with the antenna element, creating a tightly coupled structure. This nesting arrangement minimizes the air gap and ensures efficient radiation transfer from the lenslet to the antenna element.
2Reliability
If lenslets are integrated with antenna elements, then sensitivity is increased, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lenslet and antenna element are fabricated as an integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate assembly and reducing the precision requirements for aligning separate components. The integration ensures consistent coupling while simplifying the manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If lenslets are integrated with antenna elements, then impedance matching is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lenslet and antenna element are integrated into a unified structure that provides inherent impedance matching. This integration ensures optimal impedance matching between the lenslet and antenna element, reducing reflections and improving signal transfer efficiency.
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 increases imager sensitivity and collection efficiency by ensuring that electromagnetic radiation is effectively directed to the antenna elements, improving impedance matching and reducing reflections, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the imaging system.
Implementation Method 1
Each lenslet has a spherical portion being operable to direct the radiative input towards the one of the plurality of antenna elements
Data Source
AI summary
According one embodiment, a millimeter-wave radiation imaging array includes a plurality of antenna elements configured to receive millimeter-wave radiative input. Each lenslet of a plurality of lenslets are coupled to one of the plurality of antenna elements such that no air exists between each lenslet and the one of the plurality of antenna elements. Each lenslet has a spherical portion being operable to direct the radiative input towards the one of the plurality of antenna elements. An energy detector is coupled to the plurality of antenna elements opposite the plurality of lenslets and operable to measure the radiative input received by the plurality of antenna elements.