What you’ll learn:
- What is a gradient index refracted lens?
- How are 3D GRIN lenses used?
Gradient index (GRIN) lens antennas are utilized in wireless-communications applications such as satellite and radar systems. They can support directional beamforming as well as multibeam and beamsteering microwave applications. The trick is getting the right lens for an application, which usually means a custom antenna. 3D printing can address this issue.
Fortify is a company that offers 3D-printed, GRIN refracted lenses. I talked with Phillip Lambert, Director of Applications Engineering at Fortify, about the company’s technology. Many types of lenses can be created with the technology (Fig. 1).
Different configurations (Fig. 2) are able to provide different functions, such as increasing or reducing gain or widening the field of view. This enables an existing antenna to be utilized or optimized for many environments and applications.
The lenses are very lightweight. This can make a significant impact in applications where SWaP-C (size, weight, power, and cost) is critical—e.g., flying drones and other avionic applications.
The 3D printing allows Fortify to create different geometries with optimal Dk and step multiple effective Dks. The company can build solutions with a continuous gradient of effective Dk across diverse areas.
