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3D‐Printed High Dielectric Contrast Gradient Index Flat Lens for a Directive Antenna with Reduced Dimensions
Author(s) -
Isakov Dmitry,
Stevens Chris J.,
Castles Flynn,
Grant Patrick S.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
advanced materials technologies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.184
H-Index - 42
ISSN - 2365-709X
DOI - 10.1002/admt.201600072
Subject(s) - optics , materials science , lens (geology) , refractive index , antenna (radio) , directivity , horn antenna , transformation optics , chromatic aberration , dielectric , optoelectronics , aperture (computer memory) , metamaterial , radiation pattern , computer science , slot antenna , acoustics , chromatic scale , physics , telecommunications
Gradient refractive index (GRIN) materials are of interest for various applications where transformation optic principles can be applied to the design of improved photonic and microwave devices. GRIN materials comprise spatially varying electric and/or magnetic properties that challenge conventional manufacturing processes. In this work, the design, fabrication, characterization, and performance measurement of a 3D‐printed GRIN lens are presented. Using the fused deposition modeling 3D printing process with a bespoke filament material possessing high dielectric permittivity, a refractive index contrast of ∆n = 1.4 across a GRIN lens at Ku‐band microwave frequencies is achieved. When the GRIN lens is combined with an open aperture horn, an improved antenna directivity is achieved while simultaneously reducing the overall antenna physical length by over a factor of two.