CN113495397A - Dielectric lens and electromagnetic apparatus having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a dielectric lens and an electromagnetic apparatus having the same. The dielectric lens includes: a three-dimensional, 3D body of dielectric material having a spatially varying dielectric constant Dk; the 3D body has at least three regions r (i) having local maxima of dielectric constant values dk (i) with respect to surrounding regions of corresponding ones of the at least three regions r (i), the locations of the at least three regions r (i) being defined by local coordinates of azimuth angle (i), zenith angle (i) and radial distance (i) with respect to a particular common origin associated with the 3D body, wherein (i) is an index ranging from 1 to at least 3; wherein the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body is configured to vary as a function of a zenith angle between the first region R (1) and the second region R (2) at a given azimuth angle and a given radial distance.

Description

Dielectric lens and electromagnetic apparatus having the same

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application serial No. 63/006,976, filed on 8/4/2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to dielectric lenses, particularly to dielectric lenses having at least three distinct focusing or defocusing portions, and more particularly to electromagnetic EM devices having a phased array antenna arranged and configured for EM communication with a dielectric lens having at least three distinct focusing or defocusing portions.

Background

Phased array antennas are useful in steering the EM wavefront in one or two directions along the direction of propagation of the EM radiation (steering). In a typical planar phased array, steering capability may be limited because the effective aperture decreases with increasing steering angle. To improve steering capabilities, existing systems employ more phased array antenna base station segments and/or Luneburg lenses. It will be appreciated that the increased number of phased array antenna base station segments results in additional cost and hardware space, and the use of Luneburg lenses requires the use of non-planar arrays.

While existing EM phased array communication systems may be suitable for their intended purposes, the technology associated with such systems will be developed with dielectric lenses or combinations of dielectric lenses and phased array antennas that overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments include a dielectric lens having: a three-dimensional, 3D body of dielectric material having a spatially varying dielectric constant Dk; the 3D body has at least three regions r (i) having local maxima of dielectric constant values dk (i) with respect to surrounding regions of corresponding ones of the at least three regions r (i), the locations of the at least three regions r (i) being defined by local coordinates of azimuth angle (i), zenith angle (i) and radial distance (i) with respect to a particular common origin associated with the 3D body, wherein (i) is an index ranging from 1 to at least 3; wherein the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body is configured to vary as a function of a zenith angle between the first region R (1) and the second region R (2) at a given azimuth angle and a given radial distance.

Embodiments include a dielectric lens having: a three-dimensional 3D body of dielectric material, the three-dimensional 3D body having a spatially varying Dk that varies along at least three different rays having different directions and a particular common origin point from the particular common origin point to an outer surface of the 3D body, the particular common origin point being surrounded by the 3D body; wherein the at least three different rays define the location of a corresponding one of at least three regions r (i) of the 3D body, the at least three regions having a local maximum of a value dk (i) of the dielectric constant relative to the dielectric material of the immediately surrounding one of the at least three regions r (i), wherein (i) is an index ranging from 1 to at least 3; wherein the dielectric material of the 3D body has a spatially varying Dk along any path within the 3D body from each of the at least three regions r (i) to any other of the at least three regions r (i).

Embodiments include an electromagnetic EM device having: a phased array antenna; and a dielectric lens according to any one of the preceding lenses; wherein each dielectric lens is configured and disposed in EM communication with the phased array antenna when electromagnetically excited.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Referring to the exemplary, non-limiting drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike in the accompanying figures:

fig. 1 depicts a rotated isometric view of a 3D block diagram analysis model of a dielectric lens representing an example lens positioned over an example phased array antenna, in accordance with an embodiment;

fig. 2A and 2B depict front cross-sectional views of the embodiment of fig. 1 cut through the x-z plane, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3 depicts a top-down plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment;

fig. 4A depicts a rotational isometric view of the semi-symmetrical view of fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment;

fig. 4B depicts a corresponding cut-away cross-sectional slice L1-L4 through the semi-symmetrical view depicted in fig. 4A, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4C depicts an enlarged view of the cross-sectional slices L3 and L4 of FIG. 4B, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 5 depicts a representation of a spherical coordinate system as applied herein, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6 depicts a transparent top-down plan view of another example dielectric lens according to an embodiment that is similar to the dielectric lens of FIG. 1 but has a different shape and outer profile;

fig. 7A-7J depict, in rotated isometric views, example alternative 3D shapes of any lens disclosed herein, in accordance with an embodiment;

fig. 8A-8E depict example 2D x-y cross-sectional plan views of the 3D shape of fig. 7A-7J, according to an embodiment; and

fig. 9A-9C show representative alternative surfaces used in accordance with an embodiment in rotated isometric views.

Detailed Description

Although the following detailed description includes many details for the purposes of illustration, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the following example embodiments are set forth without a loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention disclosed herein.

As shown in the various figures and described in the accompanying text, embodiments provide a three-dimensional 3D dielectric lens having at least three distinct focusing or defocusing portions strategically located within the body of the lens, the lens structurally and electromagnetically configured to cooperate with a phased array antenna to facilitate beam steering of an EM wavefront at +/-90 degrees relative to the direction of propagation of the EM radiation wavefront, thereby providing greater signal coverage without the need to add a base station segment. Each of the at least three different focusing/defocusing portions of the 3D dielectric lens is formed by a corresponding region having a local maximum of the value of the dielectric constant Dk, which will be discussed in detail below. As used herein, the term dielectric lens refers to a 3D body of dielectric material that is used to alter the spatial distribution of radiated EM energy, and as disclosed herein, more particularly to alter the spatial distribution of radiated EM energy via at least three focusing/defocusing portions, as opposed to functioning as a radiating antenna itself.

Although the embodiments described or illustrated herein may depict a particular geometry or analytical model as an exemplary dielectric lens, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are also applicable to other geometries or structures suitable for the purposes disclosed herein and falling within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, it should be understood that the illustrations provided herein are for illustration purposes only and are not to be construed as the only possible configurations for the purposes disclosed herein. For example, several of the figures described below herein refer to an example analysis block element 104 (see fig. 4A) that is for illustration purposes only and should not be construed as limiting, as it is contemplated that the appended claims also encompass dielectric lens configurations having a gradual rather than stepped transition in dielectric constant from one region of the lens to another region of the lens. All configurations that come within the scope of the following claims are contemplated and are considered inherent thereto if not explicitly disclosed herein.

Reference is now made to fig. 1-9C, in which: FIG. 1 depicts a rotated isometric view of a 3D block diagram analytical model of a dielectric lens representing an example lens positioned over an example phased array antenna, representative of example embodiments disclosed herein; fig. 2A and 2B depict front cross-sectional views (referred to herein as semi-symmetrical views) of the embodiment of fig. 1 cut through the x-z plane; FIG. 3 depicts a top down plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1; FIG. 4A depicts a rotated isometric view of the semi-symmetrical view of FIG. 1 (thickness of the block element 104 from 3-1/2), also visible in FIGS. 2A and 2B, depicting a Dk scale 102 of example Dk values, and also depicting an example analysis block element 104; FIG. 4B depicts a corresponding continuously cut cross-sectional slice L1-L4 through the semi-symmetrical view depicted in FIG. 4A; FIG. 4C depicts an enlarged view of the cross-sectional slices L3 and L4 of FIG. 4B; FIG. 5 depicts a representation of a spherical coordinate system as applied herein; FIG. 6 depicts a transparent top-down plan view of another example dielectric lens that is similar to the dielectric lens of FIG. 1 but has a different shape and outer profile; 7A-7J depict, in rotated isometric views, example alternative 3D shapes for any of the lenses disclosed herein; 8A-8E depict example 2D x-y cross-sectional plan views of the 3D shape of FIGS. 7A-7J; and fig. 9A-9C depict in rotated isometric views representative alternative surfaces for use in accordance with an embodiment. With respect to the example analysis block elements 104 in the analytical model depicted in the various figures, each block element 104 has the following dimensions: dx is 4.92mm (millimeters), dy is 5.26mm and dz is 5.04 mm. Alternatively, each block element 104 has a dx, dy, dz dimension of about 2 λ/3, where λ is the wavelength at an operating frequency of 39GHz (gigahertz). However, the dimensions of such block elements are for illustrative or analytical purposes only and are not limiting to the scope of the invention as claimed in the appended claims. With respect to cross-sectional slices L1-L4, a comparison of fig. 4B with fig. 4A shows that slice L1 corresponds to the posterior outer surface region 206 of 3D body 200, half-slice L4 corresponds to the x-z plane cut of fig. 4A, and slices L2 and L3 correspond to the intermediate region between slices L1 and half-slice L4. With respect to the Dk scale 102 depicted in fig. 4A, example embodiments include Dk variations, where the relative dielectric constant ranges from equal to or greater than 1.2 (depicted as light gray) to equal to or less than 3.6 (depicted as dark gray or black). It should be understood, however, that this Dk variation is for analytical purposes only and is not limiting to the scope of the claimed invention according to the appended claims.

As can be seen in several figures, both orthogonal x-y-z coordinate systems and spherical coordinate systems are depicted and will be referenced hereinafter for a more complete understanding of the subject matter disclosed herein. With respect to FIG. 2B, incremental +/-zenith angles are depicted in 15 degree increments.

The example dielectric lens 100 includes a three-dimensional 3D body 200 of dielectric material, having a spatially varying Dk, wherein the 3D body 200 has at least three regions R (i)300 (first region R (1), second region R (2), and third region R (3) enumerated individually by reference numerals 301, 302, and 303, respectively)), these regions have local maxima of the dielectric constant (relative dielectric constant) values dk (i) with respect to surrounding ones of the corresponding ones of the at least three regions r (i)300, wherein the locations of the at least three regions r (i)300 may be defined by local spherical coordinates of azimuth angle (i), zenith angle (i), and radial distance (i) relative to a particular common origin 202 associated with the 3D body 200, wherein (i) is an index ranging from 1 to at least 3 (an illustration of a local spherical coordinate system is best seen in fig. 5). The spatially varying Dk of the 3D body 200 is configured to vary as a function of the zenith angle Za between region R (1)301 and region R (2)302 at a given (constant) azimuth angle (e.g., the plane of fig. 2A) and a given (constant) radial distance ra, as best seen with reference to fig. 2A. For example, and with reference to both fig. 2A and 4A-4C, and in particular to the Dk scale 102 depicted in fig. 4A, it can be seen that as the zenith angle Za changes from 0 degrees to 90 degrees, the Dk value within the 3D body 200 changes from a relatively high value, e.g., 3.6 at R (1)301, to a relatively low value, e.g., 1.2 in the region intermediate R (1)301 and R (2)302, returning again to a higher value, e.g., 3.6 at R (2) 302. As used herein and with reference to fig. 5, the sign convention for the +/-azimuth angles is (plus) Clockwise (CW) from the positive y-axis toward the positive x-axis (as viewed in the top-down plan view), and (minus) counterclockwise (CCW) from the positive y-axis toward the negative x-axis.

As used herein, the phrase "relative to surrounding regions" refers to Dk relative to a dielectric of 3D body 200 immediately adjacent to a respective region of local maximum of Dk, wherein Dk of the corresponding surrounding region is lower than the associated region of local maximum of Dk, and thus is referred to as a "local" maximum. In an embodiment, the corresponding surrounding region immediately adjacent to the associated region of the local maximum of Dk completely surrounds the associated region of the local maximum of Dk.

As used herein, the phrase "specific common origin 202" refers to a point of the 3D body 200 relative to the dielectric lens 100 that may suitably be used as a reference origin of a spherical coordinate system, whereby local coordinates of azimuth angle (i), zenith angle (i), and radial distance (i) of the at least three regions r (i)300 may be determinable (see, e.g., fig. 2A and 5), or may be determined by a local x-y-z orthogonal coordinate system, wherein the common origin 202 is an origin of the local x-y-z coordinate system. Although fig. 2A and 2B depict a common origin 202 on the x-y plane that is generally aligned with a bottom surface or base region 204 of the 3D body 200, it should be understood that this illustration is merely one example scenario, as other scenarios and structures falling within the scope of the appended claims may involve a common origin that is located inside or outside of the 3D body 200.

In an embodiment and with particular reference to fig. 2A, the given radial distance ra may be considered a first given radial distance, and the 3D body 200 may be further described with respect to a second varying radial distance rb that varies according to the zenith angle Zb. For example, the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body 200 is further configured to vary according to the zenith angle Zb between the region R (1)301 and the region R (2)302 at a given azimuth angle (e.g., the plane of fig. 2A) and at a second varying radial distance rb that varies according to the zenith angle Zb, as best seen with reference to fig. 2A. As shown in fig. 2A, the varying radial distance rb increases as the zenith angle Zb increases from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. Referring to both fig. 2A and 4A-4C, and in particular to the Dk scale 102 depicted in fig. 4A, it can be seen that as the zenith angle Zb varies from 0 degrees to 90 degrees, the Dk value in an embodiment of the 3D body 200 varies from a relatively high value, e.g., 3.6 at R (1)301, to a relatively low value, e.g., 1.2 in the middle region of R (1)301 and R (4)304, back to a relatively high value, e.g., 2.4 at R (4)304, to a relatively low value, e.g., 1.2 in the middle region of R (4)304 and R (2)302, and then back to a relatively high value, e.g., 3.6 at R (2) 302.

The above description of the spatially varying Dk value of the 3D body 200 has been described for zenith angles between 0 and 90 degrees and azimuth angles of +90 degrees. However, and as can be seen in fig. 2A and 2B, for zenith angles between 0 and 90 degrees and azimuth angles of-90 degrees, it can be seen that the spatially varying Dk values of 3D body 200 are similar, even though not identical structures. That is, embodiments of the 3D body 200 include an arrangement of the 2D body 200 with spatially varying Dk values that are symmetric with respect to the y-z plane shown, with the x-y-z origin centered with respect to the 3D body 200, as viewed in a top-down plan view of the 3D body 200 (see, e.g., the transition of Dk values from R (1)301 to R (5)305 to R (3)303 according to a zenith angle Za from 0 degrees to 90 degrees and according to a zenith angle Zb from 0 degrees to 90 degrees). As such and in view of the foregoing, it should be understood that embodiments of the dielectric lens 100 also include arrangements in which the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body 200 is configured to vary as a function of the zenith angle Za between region R (1)301 and region R (3)303 at a given azimuthal angle (e.g., the plane of fig. 2A) and a given (constant) radial distance ra. Additionally, it should be understood that embodiments of the dielectric lens 100 also include arrangements in which the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body 200 is configured such that the regions R (2)302 and R (3)303 at corresponding azimuthal angles 180 degrees apart have dks that are symmetric with respect to each other and/or with respect to the region R (1)301 with respect to the y-z plane.

As can be seen in fig. 3 and 4A-4C, with reference to the Dk scale 102 in fig. 4A, it should also be understood that embodiments of the dielectric lens 100 include arrangements in which the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body 200 is also configured to vary in azimuth (e.g., in the illustrated x-y plane, see also fig. 5) between region R (2)302 and region R (3)303 at a given zenith angle (e.g., without limitation, e.g., 90 degrees) and a defined (fixed or variable) radial distance ra (fixed), rb (variable). For example, referring to fig. 4A and the Dk scale 102 therein, at a zenith angle of 90 degrees (i.e., the x-y plane) and a variable radial distance rb, the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body 200 varies from about 3.6 at region R (2)302, to 1 (air) at an azimuthal angle of +90 degrees clockwise from region R (2)302, to about 3.6 at region R (3)303, to 1 (air) at an azimuthal angle of-90 degrees clockwise from region R (3)303, back to about 3.6 at region R (2) 302.

As can be seen in fig. 2A and 4A-4C, with reference to the Dk scale 102 in fig. 4A, it should also be understood that embodiments of the dielectric lens 100 include arrangements in which the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body 200 is also configured to vary as a function of the radial distance between the common origin 202 and the region R (1)301, wherein in the embodiment shown in fig. 4A-4C, the Dk value varies gradually from about 1 (e.g., air) in the central region rc 308 near the common origin 202 up to about 3.6 at the region R (1) 301. In general, embodiments of the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body 200 are configured to gradually vary (i.e., increase) upward along at least one radial path according to a radial distance between the common origin 202 and at least one region R (i)300, e.g., region R (1) 301. In one embodiment, the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body 200 is configured to gradually vary upwards along at least three different radial paths having the common origin 202 according to a corresponding radial distance between the common origin 202 and at least one of the regions R (i)300, e.g., regions R (1)301, R (2)302, and R (3) 303. Although the embodiments depicted in fig. 1, 2A-2B, and 4A-4C show the central region rc 308 and/or the region surrounding the common origin 202 being air or having a Dk equal to that of air, it should be understood that this is for illustration and/or modeling purposes only, and that the central region rc 308 and/or the region surrounding the common origin 202 may actually be air or may be a dielectric having a low Dk value close to that of air, such as a dielectric foam with inflated open or closed cells. Accordingly, it should be understood that the 3D body 200 has a Dk value equal to or greater than that of air and equal to or less than 1.2 at the common origin.

As used herein, the term "gradually" does not necessarily mean that there is no step change, e.g., a laminar shell of dielectric material may be present, but rather means spanning what may be a laminar shell interface (or transition zone) at a rate that does not exceed a Dk value change of +/-1.9, more particularly +/-1.5, even more particularly +/-1.0, from one region of 3D body 200 to an adjacent region across the transition zone. As used herein, the distance across a region of the 3D body 200 to a transition region of an adjacent region is measured relative to an operating wavelength of 1 λ, and in one embodiment 0.5 λ, where λ is the operating wavelength in free space of an operating electromagnetic radiation signal having a defined operating frequency. That is, the distance from one region of the 3D body 200 to the transition region of the adjacent region is 1 λ in one embodiment, and λ/2 in another embodiment. In an embodiment, the defined operating frequency is 40 GHz.

With respect to the central region rc 308, and with reference to fig. 2A, embodiments include arrangements in which the 3D body 200 at the defined radial distance rk 210 from the common origin 202 has a Dk value equal to or greater than that of air and equal to or less than 2, alternatively equal to or greater than that of air and equal to or less than 1.5, further alternatively equal to or greater than that of air and equal to or less than 1.2. In one embodiment, rk is equal to or less than 2 λ, alternatively equal to or less than 1.5 λ, alternatively equal to or less than 1 λ, alternatively equal to or less than 2/3 λ, or further alternatively equal to or less than 1/2 λ.

In the embodiment depicted in fig. 1-4C, when the phased array antenna 600 is electromagnetically excited, the radial path from the common origin 202 along the z-axis to the region R (1)301 is also considered to be the boresight direction of the dielectric lens 100 and the phased array antenna 600, as will be discussed in more detail below.

Referring back at least to fig. 2A and 4A-4B, it should be understood that embodiments of the dielectric lens 100 include arrangements in which the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body 200 is also configured to vary as a function of the radial distance between the common origin 202 and the region R (2)302 and/or between the common origin 202 and the region R (3) 303. For example, fig. 2A and 4A-4B both depict that the Dk value of the 3D body 200 varies between about 1 (air) at the common origin 202 to about 3.6 at region R (2)302 and region R (3)303, as viewed along both the + x axis and the-x axis in the x-y plane.

In another embodiment, and still referring to at least fig. 2A and 4A-4B, the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body 200 is further configured to be in at least three different radial directions — such as, but not limited to: for example, along the + x axis, along the-x axis, along the + z axis — varying from the common origin 202 to the outer surface region 206 of the 3D body 200.

As described above, the at least three regions r (i)300 of the 3D body 200 having the local maximum of the dielectric constant value dk (i) may include more than three regions r (i) 300. For example and with particular reference to fig. 2B (depicting zenith angles in 15 degree increments relative to both the z-axis CW and CCW as viewed in fig. 2B), in conjunction with several other figures disclosed herein, embodiments include arrangements in which region R (1)301 is disposed at a zenith angle (1) Za1 between 15 degrees CCW and 15 degrees CW, region R (2)302 is disposed at a zenith angle (2) Za2 between 75 degrees CCW and 90 degrees CCW, region R (3)303 is disposed at a zenith angle (3) Za3 between 75 degrees CW and 90 degrees CW, region R (4)304 is disposed at a zenith angle (4) Za4 between 15 degrees CCW and 75 degrees CCW, and/or region R (5)305 is disposed at a zenith angle (5) Za5 between 15 degrees CW and 75 degrees CW. As can be seen by comparing fig. 2A-2B with fig. 1, 3, and 4A-4B, regions R (4)304 and R (5)305 are not in the same plane (e.g., the x-z plane) as regions R (1)301, R (2)302, and R (3)303, but are "visible" in fig. 2A-2B because the 3D analytical model of dielectric lens 100 has internal air pockets 220 (best shown with reference to fig. 4A and 4B) proximate to regions R (4)304 and R (5)305, resulting in regions R (4)304 and R (5)305 being visible when viewed cut away from the x-z plane of fig. 2A and 2B. Indeed, as can be seen from several of the figures, regions R (4)304 and R (5)305 are disposed in a plane parallel to the x-z plane and offset from the x-z plane along the-y direction. Although the 3D analytical model of the dielectric lens 100 described herein has the air pocket 220 described above, it should be understood that such air pocket 220 may actually be air, or may be a dielectric with a low Dk value close to that of air, such as a dielectric foam with gas-filled open or closed cells.

With particular reference to fig. 4B-4C, as can be seen via the L1-L4 cross-sections or slices, embodiments also include arrangements in which region R (2)302 and region R (3)303 are separated by an azimuthal angle of about 180 degrees, and more generally between 150 degrees and 180 degrees, and with particular reference to at least fig. 1, it can also be seen that region R (4)304 and region R (5)305 are also separated by an azimuthal angle of about 180 degrees, more generally between 150 degrees and 180 degrees.

In view of the foregoing and with reference to several figures, and in particular to the Dk scale 102, it should be understood that embodiments include arrangements in which the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body 200 varies between greater than 1 and equal to or less than 15, alternatively between greater than 1 and equal to or less than 10, further alternatively between greater than 1 and equal to or less than 5, further alternatively between greater than 1 and equal to or less than 4. It is also to be understood that embodiments include arrangements wherein each region r (i)300 having a corresponding local maximum of the dielectric constant value Dk (i) has a Dk equal to or greater than 2 and equal to or less than 15, alternatively equal to or greater than 3 and equal to or less than 12, further alternatively equal to or greater than 3 and equal to or less than 9, further alternatively equal to or greater than 3 and equal to or less than 5. In one embodiment, the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body of dielectric material 200 varies gradually according to the azimuth angle (i), zenith angle (i), and radial distance (i). In one embodiment, the gradually changing Dk of the 3D body 200 of dielectric material does not exceed a defined maximum Dk value per 1/4 operating frequency wavelength, alternatively does not exceed a defined maximum Dk value per 1/2 operating frequency wavelength, further alternatively does not exceed a defined maximum Dk value per operating frequency wavelength. In one embodiment, the maximum Dk value defined is +/-1.9, more specifically +/-1.5, and even more specifically +/-1.0.

Referring now to fig. 6, depicted is a transparent top-down plan view of another example dielectric lens 100' that is similar to the dielectric lens 100 of fig. 1, but has a different shape and outer profile. As can be seen, and in addition to the regions R (1)301, R (2)302 and R (3)303 of local maxima of the dielectric constant value dk (i) and the optional regions R (4)304 and R (5)305, embodiments also include such an arrangement, wherein the at least three regions R (i)300 having local maxima of the dielectric constant value Dk (i) further comprise a region R (6)306 and a region R (7)307, wherein the region R (1)301 is disposed at a zenith angle (1) of between-15 degrees and +15 degrees (see figure 2B), and wherein regions R (2)302, R (3)303, R (6)306 and R (7)307 are each disposed at a zenith angle (2) of between-75 degrees and-90 degrees or between +75 degrees and +90 degrees, as viewed in the x-z plane or y-z plane (see, in part, figure 2B). In one embodiment, regions R (2)302 and R (3)303 are separated by an azimuthal angle between 150 degrees and 180 degrees; regions R (6)306 and R (7)307 are separated by an azimuthal angle between 150 degrees and 180 degrees; regions R (2)302 and R (6)306 are separated by an azimuthal angle between 30 degrees and 90 degrees; regions R (3)303 and R (6)306 are separated by an azimuthal angle between 30 degrees and 90 degrees; regions R (2)302 and R (7)307 are separated by an azimuthal angle between 30 degrees and 90 degrees; and regions R (3)303 and R (7)307 are separated by an azimuthal angle between 30 and 90 degrees. Although fig. 6 depicts a circular outer contour for the dielectric lens 100 'in solid line form, it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes only and that the dielectric lens 100' may have any shape suitable for the purposes disclosed herein, represented by a square outer contour in dashed line form surrounding a circle in solid line form.

From all the foregoing, it should be understood that the various illustrated embodiments herein describing various numbers and arrangements of regions r (i)300 having local maxima of the dielectric constant value dk (i) are just a few examples of many possible arrangements that are too numerous to describe indefinitely, but are within the abilities of those skilled in the art. Accordingly, all such embodiments of the region r (i)300 falling within the scope of the appended claims are contemplated and considered to be fully and/or inherently disclosed herein by way of representative examples presented herein.

Additionally, it should also be understood that while certain embodiments of the dielectric lenses 100, 100' have been described and/or depicted having certain 2D and 3D shapes (e.g., rectangular blocks in fig. 1, and circular or rectangular footprints in fig. 6), it should be understood that these are for illustrative purposes only, and that embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not so limited, and extend to other 2D and 3D shapes, such as those depicted in fig. 7A-7J and 8A-8E, without detracting from the scope of this disclosure. For example and with reference to fig. 7A-8E, any of the dielectric lenses 100, 100' described herein may have a three-dimensional form of the following shape: the cylinder of fig. 7A, the polygonal box of fig. 7B, 7C, the tapered polygonal box of fig. 7D, 7E, the cone of fig. 7F, the truncated cone of fig. 7G, the torus of fig. 7H, the domed body (e.g., hemisphere) of fig. 7I, the elongated domed body of fig. 7J, or may have any other three-dimensional form suitable for the purposes disclosed herein, and thus may have a z-axis cross-section of the following shape: the circle of fig. 8A, the rectangle of fig. 8B, the polygon of fig. 8C, the circle of fig. 8D, the ellipse of fig. 8E, or may have a z-axis cross-section of any other shape suitable for the purposes disclosed herein.

In view of all the foregoing, it should be understood that an alternative way of describing the dielectric lens 100 is by a dielectric lens 100 comprising: a three-dimensional 3D body 200 of dielectric material having a spatially varying Dk varying from a common origin 202 to an outer surface 206 of the 3D body 200 along at least three different rays having different directions and a particular common origin 202, the particular common origin 202 being surrounded by the 3D body 200; wherein at least three different rays (e.g., see fig. 2A, ray ra passing through region R (1)301 and region R (2)302, ray rb passing through region R (4)304) define the location of corresponding ones of at least three regions R (i)300(301, 302, 304) of the 3D body 200 having a local maximum of the dielectric constant value dk (i) relative to the dielectric material of immediately surrounding ones of the at least three regions R (i) 300; wherein the dielectric material of the 3D body 200 has a spatially varying Dk from each of the at least three regions r (i)300 to any other one of the at least three regions r (i)300 along any path within the 3D body 200 between corresponding pairs of the at least three regions r (i) 300.

Referring now back to fig. 1 and 4A-4C, in addition to all of the above described and disclosed, it discloses an electromagnetic EM device 500 comprising a phased array antenna 600 and a dielectric lens 100 disclosed herein above, wherein the dielectric lens 100 is configured and arranged to be in EM communication with the phased array antenna 600 when the phased array antenna 600 is electromagnetically excited. In one embodiment, the phased array antenna 600 is a planar phased array antenna, as depicted at least in fig. 1 and 4A-4C.

In one embodiment, the dielectric lens 100 is centrally disposed on top of the phased array antenna 600, as depicted in at least fig. 1 and 4A-4C.

In one embodiment, the dielectric lens 100 has a larger footprint than a corresponding footprint of the phased array antenna 600, as viewed in a top-down plan view, as depicted in at least fig. 1 and 4A-4C, such that the dielectric lens 100 extends beyond an edge 602 (best seen with reference to fig. 1 and 2A) of the phased array antenna 600.

In one embodiment, the portion of the dielectric lens 100 at the 90 degree zenith angle has a Dk value that increases then decreases then increases again along a specified radial direction from the common origin 202 outward beyond the edge 602 of the phased array antenna 600, e.g., along the +/-x axis (best seen with reference to fig. 4A-4C). For example, in the cross-sectional views L3 and L4 along the + x axis depicted in fig. 4B and 4C, the dielectric lens 100 has a Dk value that increases from about 1 or near 1 at the common origin 202 (depicted here in the region of air) to a value of about 3.6 at the region 310 near the edge 602 of the phased array antenna 600, then decreases to about 1.2 at the region 312 beyond the region 310 and the edge 602 of the phased array antenna 600, and then increases again to about 3.6 at the region 314 beyond the region 312 and also beyond the edge 602 of the phased array antenna 600. In other words, embodiments of the lens 100 include arrangements in which the 3D body 200 has a relatively high Dk region 314 outside of a relatively low Dk region 312, which is outside of the relatively high Dk region 310 outside of the relatively low Dk region at the common origin 202, in a radial direction from the common origin 202 toward the outer surface 206 of the 3D body 200 at a zenith angle of +/-90 degrees, for a given azimuthal angle (e.g., in the x-z plane). While not being bound by any particular theory, it has been found through analytical modeling that the presence of low Dk holes, such as region 312, just beyond the edge 602 of the phased array antenna 600 enhances the EM radiation pattern from the phased array antenna 600 to facilitate beam steering of the EM wavefront at +/-90 degrees relative to the direction of propagation of the EM wavefront originating from the phased array antenna 600.

As described above, embodiments of EM device 500 include phased array antenna 600 as a planar phased array antenna, depicted not only in fig. 1 and 4A-4C, but also in fig. 9A, where individual antenna elements 650 are depicted in an example 5 x 6 array disposed on a planar substrate 620. As can be appreciated from the above description of the dielectric lens 100, the embodiments disclosed herein include arrangements in which a single dielectric lens 100 is provided in EM communication with the entire phased array antenna 600.

Although the embodiments described herein above refer to and illustrate a planar phased array antenna 600, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are not so limited and also include non-planar arrangements of phased array antennas, which will now be discussed with reference to fig. 9B-9C in conjunction with fig. 1-8E and 9A.

Fig. 9B depicts a non-planar substrate 622 in the form of a sphere, and fig. 9C depicts a non-planar substrate 624 in the form of a cylinder. And while fig. 9B and 9C depict a full sphere and a full cylinder, respectively, it should be understood that hemispheres and semicylinders are also contemplated. In one embodiment, an array of individual antenna elements 650 may be strategically disposed on the convex or concave surface of the respective sphere or cylinder substrate 622, 624, and any form of dielectric lens 100, 100' disclosed herein may be disposed over the array of antenna elements 650.

In one embodiment, each antenna element 650 in the phased array antenna 600 may operate with either phase angle control or amplitude control, or alternatively both phase angle control and amplitude control of the excitation signal, in order to achieve optimal antenna system performance over the entire +/-90 degrees relative to the direction of propagation of the EM wavefront. In one embodiment, the +/-90 degree control with respect to the direction of propagation may be with respect to a horizontal axis or a vertical axis (see, e.g., lens 100 in fig. 1-4C), or both a horizontal axis and a vertical axis (see, e.g., lens 100' in fig. 6).

Thus, it should be understood that embodiments include a phased array antenna that is a non-planar phased array antenna having or disposed on a spherical surface or a cylindrical surface. In one embodiment, the phased array antenna is configured to emit EM radiation from the convex surface, the concave surface, or both the convex and concave surfaces of the sphere surface toward the dielectric lens. In one embodiment, the phased array antenna is configured to emit EM radiation from the convex surface, the concave surface, or both the convex and concave surfaces of the cylindrical surface toward the dielectric lens.

While the foregoing description of a non-planar phased array antenna is made with reference to a spherical or cylindrical surface, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure herein is not so limited, and also encompasses other non-planar surfaces, such as, but not limited to, oblate spheroid, ellipsoid, or hyperbolic surfaces, for example. Any and all surfaces that fall within the scope of the appended claims are contemplated and considered to be inherently disclosed herein.

With respect to any of the foregoing descriptions of EM device 500 having any form of substrate 620, 622, 624, having any arrangement of antenna elements 650 disposed thereon, and having any form of dielectric lens 100, 100' configured and disposed as disclosed herein, embodiments of EM device 500 are configured such that phased array antenna 600 is configured and adapted to operate at a frequency range equal to or greater than 1GHz and equal to or less than 300GHz, further alternatively equal to or greater than 10GHz and equal to or less than 90GHz, further alternatively equal to or greater than 20GHz and equal to or less than 60GHz, further alternatively equal to or greater than 20GHz and equal to or less than 40 GHz. In one embodiment, the phased array antenna 600 is configured and adapted to operate at millimeter wave frequencies, and in one embodiment, the millimeter wave frequency is a 5G millimeter wave frequency.

Although certain combinations of individual features have been described and illustrated herein, it should be understood that these are for illustrative purposes only and that any combination of any such individual features may be employed in accordance with the embodiments, whether or not such combination is explicitly illustrated and consistent with the disclosure herein. Any and all such combinations of features disclosed herein are contemplated herein, are considered to be within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art when considering the present application as a whole, and are considered to be within the scope of the invention disclosed herein provided they fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims in a manner as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In view of all the foregoing, it should be understood that some of the embodiments disclosed herein may provide one or more of the following advantages: an EM beam steering device that, when placed on a planar phased array antenna up to and including 5G mm wave frequency, allows positive/negative 90 degree beam steering with minimal gain drop; an EM beam steering device that allows the radiation field coverage area to increase as the number of required base station segments 1/3 to 1/2 decreases; and an EM dielectric lens having a plurality of separate focal regions, wherein there is a local maximum in the value of the dielectric constant, such that the lens constructively (refractively) incident EM radiation along with other focal regions of the lens to obtain a given desired radiation angle.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the claims. Many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments and, although specific terms and/or dimensions may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic, exemplary and/or descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the claims therefore not being so limited. When an element such as a layer, film, region, substrate, or other described feature is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present. The use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. The use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. The term "comprising" as used herein does not exclude the possibility of comprising one or more additional features. Moreover, any background information provided herein is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the invention disclosed herein. It is not necessary to acknowledge, nor should be construed, that any such background information constitutes prior art to the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein.

Claims (50)

1. A dielectric lens, comprising:

a three-dimensional, 3D body of dielectric material having a spatially varying dielectric constant Dk;

the 3D body has at least three regions r (i) having local maxima of dielectric constant values dk (i) with respect to surrounding regions of corresponding ones of the at least three regions r (i), the locations of the at least three regions r (i) being defined by local coordinates of azimuth angle (i), zenith angle (i) and radial distance (i) with respect to a particular common origin associated with the 3D body, wherein (i) is an index ranging from 1 to at least 3;

wherein the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body is configured to vary at least as a function of a zenith angle between region R (1) and region R (2) at a given azimuth angle and a given radial distance.

2. The dielectric lens of claim 1, wherein the given radial distance is a first given radial distance, and further wherein:

the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body is further configured to vary as a function of a zenith angle between the region R (1) and the region R (2) at the given azimuth angle and a second varying radial distance as a function of the zenith angle.

3. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein:

the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body is further configured to vary as a function of a zenith angle between the region R (1) and region R (3) at a given azimuth angle and a given radial distance.

4. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:

the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body is further configured to vary as a function of an azimuth angle between the region R (2) and the region R (3) at a given zenith angle and a given radial distance.

5. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:

the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body is further configured to vary according to a radial distance between the particular common origin and R (1).

6. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein:

the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body is further configured to vary according to a radial distance between the particular common origin and R (2).

7. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein:

the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body is further configured to vary according to a radial distance between the particular common origin and R (3).

8. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein:

the 3D body has a base region and an outer surface region, and the particular common origin is near the base region.

9. The dielectric lens of claim 8, wherein:

the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body is further configured to vary in at least three different radial directions from the particular common origin to the outer surface region.

10. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein:

r (2) and R (3) at the respective azimuth angles that are 180 degrees apart are symmetrical with respect to each other.

11. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein:

r (2) and R (3) at corresponding azimuth angles 180 degrees apart are symmetric with respect to each other and with respect to R (1).

12. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein:

the Dk of the 3D body at the particular common origin is equal to or greater than Dk of air and equal to or less than 1.2.

13. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein:

dk of the 3D body at a defined radial distance rk from the particular common origin is equal to or greater than Dk of air and equal to or less than 2.

14. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein:

dk of the 3D body at a defined radial distance rk from the particular common origin is equal to or greater than Dk of air and equal to or less than 1.5.

15. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein:

dk of the 3D body at a defined radial distance rk from the particular common origin is equal to or greater than Dk of air and equal to or less than 1.2.

16. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein:

rk is equal to or less than 2 λ, alternatively equal to or less than 1.5 λ, alternatively equal to or less than 1 λ, alternatively equal to or less than 2/3 λ, or further alternatively equal to or less than 1/2 λ, wherein λ is the wavelength in free space of the operating electromagnetic radiation signal.

17. The dielectric lens of claim 16, wherein:

the operating electromagnetic radiation signal is operable in the following frequency ranges: equal to or greater than 1GHz and equal to or less than 300GHz, alternatively equal to or greater than 10GHz and equal to or less than 90GHz, further alternatively equal to or greater than 20GHz and equal to or less than 60GHz, and further alternatively equal to or greater than 20GHz and equal to or less than 40 GHz.

18. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein:

r (1) is set at a zenith angle (1) of 0 degree or more and 15 degrees or less.

19. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein:

r (2) is set at a zenith angle (2) of 75 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less.

20. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein:

r (3) is set at a zenith angle (3) of 75 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less.

21. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a region R (4), wherein:

r (4) is set at a zenith angle (4) of 15 degrees or more and 75 degrees or less.

22. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a region R (5), wherein:

r (5) is set at a zenith angle (5) of 15 degrees or more and 75 degrees or less.

23. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein:

r (2) and R (3) are separated by an azimuthal angle equal to or greater than 150 degrees and equal to or less than 180 degrees.

24. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 21 to 22, wherein:

r (4) and R (5) are separated by an azimuthal angle equal to or greater than 150 degrees and equal to or less than 180 degrees.

25. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein:

the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body varies between greater than 1 and equal to or less than 15, alternatively between greater than 1 and equal to or less than 10, further alternatively between greater than 1 and equal to or less than 5, further alternatively between greater than 1 and equal to or less than 4.

26. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein:

each local maximum of the dielectric constant values Dk (i) of the corresponding one of said at least three regions r (i) has Dk equal to or greater than 2 and equal to or less than 15, alternatively equal to or greater than 3 and equal to or less than 12, further alternatively equal to or greater than 3 and equal to or less than 9, further alternatively equal to or greater than 3 and equal to or less than 5.

27. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein:

the at least three regions R (i) having local maxima of the dielectric constant value dk (i) further comprise a region R (6) and a region R (7), wherein the region R (1) is arranged at a zenith angle (1) equal to or greater than 0 and equal to or less than 15 degrees, and wherein the regions R (2), R (3), R (6) and R (7) are each arranged at a zenith angle (2), said zenith angle (2) being equal to or greater than +15 degrees and equal to or less than +90 degrees, or equal to or greater than-15 degrees and equal to or less than-90 degrees.

28. The dielectric lens of claim 27, wherein:

regions R (2) and R (3) are separated by an azimuthal angle equal to or greater than 150 degrees and equal to or less than 180 degrees;

regions R (6) and R (7) are separated by an azimuth angle equal to or greater than 150 degrees and equal to or less than 180 degrees;

regions R (2) and R (6) are separated by an azimuth angle equal to or greater than 30 degrees and equal to or less than 90 degrees;

regions R (3) and R (6) are separated by an azimuth angle equal to or greater than 30 degrees and equal to or less than 90 degrees;

regions R (2) and R (7) are separated by an azimuth angle equal to or greater than 30 degrees and equal to or less than 90 degrees; and

the regions R (3) and R (7) are separated by an azimuth angle equal to or greater than 30 degrees and equal to or less than 90 degrees.

29. The dielectric lens of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein:

the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body of dielectric material varies gradually as a function of the azimuth angle (i), the zenith angle (i) and the radial distance (i).

30. The dielectric lens of claim 29, wherein:

the gradually changing Dk of the 3D body of dielectric material varies at no greater than a defined maximum Dk value per operating frequency wavelength, alternatively varies at no greater than a defined maximum Dk value per 1/2 operating frequency wavelength, further alternatively varies at no greater than a defined maximum Dk value per 1/4 operating frequency wavelength.

31. The dielectric lens of claim 30, wherein:

the defined maximum Dk value is +/-1.9, more specifically +/-1.5, and even more specifically +/-1.0.

32. A dielectric lens, comprising:

a three-dimensional 3D body of dielectric material, the three-dimensional 3D body having a spatially varying Dk that varies along at least three different rays having different directions and a particular common origin point that is surrounded by the 3D body from the particular common origin point to an outer surface of the 3D body;

wherein the at least three different rays define the position of a corresponding one of at least three regions R (i) of the 3D body having a local maximum of a dielectric constant value Dk (i) relative to a dielectric material of an immediately surrounding one of the at least three regions R (i), wherein (i) is an index ranging from 1 to at least 3;

wherein the dielectric material of the 3D body has a spatially varying Dk along any path within the 3D body from each of the at least three regions R (i) to any other of the at least three regions R (i).

33. An Electromagnetic (EM) device comprising:

a phased array antenna; and

a dielectric lens according to any one of the preceding claims;

wherein the dielectric lens is configured and disposed in EM communication with the phased array antenna when electromagnetically excited.

34. The electromagnetic EM device of claim 33, wherein:

the dielectric lens is centrally disposed on top of the phased array antenna.

35. An electromagnetic, EM, device according to any of claims 33 to 34, wherein:

the dielectric lens has a larger footprint than a corresponding footprint of the phased array antenna as viewed in a top-down plan view such that the dielectric lens extends beyond the edges of the phased array antenna.

36. The electromagnetic EM device of claim 35, wherein:

dk of each portion of the dielectric lens at a zenith angle of 90 degrees increases, then decreases, then increases again along a specified radial direction from the particular common origin outward beyond the edges of the phased array antenna.

37. An electromagnetic, EM, device according to any of claims 33 to 36, wherein:

the phased array antenna is a planar phased array antenna.

38. An electromagnetic, EM, device according to any of claims 33 to 36, wherein:

the phased array antenna is a non-planar phased array antenna.

39. The electromagnetic EM device of claim 38, wherein:

the non-planar phased array antenna has a cylindrical surface or is disposed on a cylindrical surface.

40. The electromagnetic EM device of claim 39, wherein:

the phased array antenna is configured to emit EM radiation from the concave surface of the cylindrical surface toward the dielectric lens.

41. The electromagnetic EM device of claim 39, wherein:

the phased array antenna is configured to emit EM radiation from a convex surface of the cylindrical surface toward the dielectric lens.

42. The electromagnetic EM device of claim 38, wherein:

the non-planar phased array antenna has or is disposed on a spherical surface.

43. The electromagnetic EM device of claim 42, wherein:

the phased array antenna is configured to emit EM radiation from the concave surface of the spherical surface toward the dielectric lens.

44. The electromagnetic EM device of claim 42, wherein:

the phased array antenna is configured to emit EM radiation from a convex surface of the spherical surface toward the dielectric lens.

45. An electromagnetic, EM device according to any one of claims 33 to 44, wherein:

the phased array antenna is configured such that each individual antenna element is controllable in terms of signal phase angle, signal amplitude, or both signal phase angle and signal amplitude.

46. The electromagnetic EM device of claim 45, wherein:

the phased array antenna is configured for beam steering of the EM wavefront at +/-90 degrees with respect to a direction of propagation of the corresponding EM radiation wavefront.

47. The electromagnetic EM device of claim 46, wherein:

the +/-90 degree beam steering of the EM wavefront is relative to a horizontal axis, a vertical axis, or both a horizontal axis and a vertical axis.

48. An electromagnetic, EM device of any one of claims 33 to 47, wherein:

the phased array antenna is configured and adapted to operate in the following frequency ranges: equal to or greater than 1GHz and equal to or less than 300GHz, alternatively equal to or greater than 10GHz and equal to or less than 90GHz, further alternatively equal to or greater than 20GHz and equal to or less than 60GHz, and further alternatively equal to or greater than 20GHz and equal to or less than 40 GHz.

49. An electromagnetic, EM device of any one of claims 33 to 47, wherein:

the phased array antenna is configured and adapted to operate at millimeter wave frequencies.

50. The electromagnetic EM device of claim 49, wherein:

the millimeter wave frequency is a 5G millimeter wave frequency.

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