A wide angle multiple beam lens for convex conformal arrays

Abstract

Multifocal lenses have been widely used as multiple beam forming networks for linear and planar arrays, butare not suitable for large convex conformal arrays as they are not physically realizable for wide angle beams. In thisstudy, a new lens design especially suitable for convex conformal arrays is introduced. The new lens has no perfect focalpoints, but there are a certain number of correct phases in each of the beam directions. The directional patterns of theradiating elements are also taken into account to improve radiation patterns for desired directions. It has been shownthat the new lens can be designed for circular arc arrays with satisfactory radiation performance for parameters wherethe design of realizable multifocal lenses is not possible.