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, but are not suitable for large convex conformal arrays as they are not physically realizable for wide angle beams. In this study, a new lens design especially suitable for convex conformal arrays is introduced. The new lens has no perfect focal points, but there are a certain number of correct phases in each of the beam directions. The directional patterns of the radiating elements are also taken into account to improve radiation patterns for desired directions. It has been shown that the new lens can be designed for circular arc arrays with satisfactory radiation performance for parameters where the design of realizable multifocal lenses is not possible.