| 摘要 |
<p>Axially symmetric gradient lenses, and antenna systems employing same. In one example, a lens includes an inner volume having one or more inner dielectric constants, and an enclosure having an outer surface that encloses the inner volume. The enclosure has an enclosure dielectric constant that is different from the one or more inner dielectric constants. In one aspect, the lens is constructed and arranged so as to exhibit a dielectric axial symmetry about only one axis of the lens. In another aspect, the outer surface of the lens may have a variety of non-spherical contours, including various ellipsoid contours. In yet another aspect, the lens is constructed and arranged so as to focus asymmetrical three-dimensional radiation patterns incident to the lens to one or more focal points on a single focal line around the outer surface of the enclosure. Antenna systems employing such a lens are capable of transmitting and/or receiving radiation having a variety of asymmetrical radiation patterns. In particular, a sectored antenna system employing such a lens is capable of transmitting and/or receiving a number of radiation beams throughout a 360 degree coverage area surrounding the antenna system, wherein each beam has a different respective beamwidth in azimuth and elevation.</p> |
