This application proposes multi-beam antenna systems using spherical lens are proposed, with high isolation between antenna ports and compatible to 2×2, 4×4, 8×8 MIMO transceivers. Several compact multi-band multi-beam solutions (with wideband operation, 40%+, in each band) are achieved by creating dual-band radiators movable on the track around spherical lens and by placing of lower band radiators between spherical lenses. By using of secondary lens for high band radiators, coupling between low band and high band radiators is reduced. Beam tilt range and side lobe suppression are improved by special selection of phase shift and rotational angle of radiators. Resultantly, a wide beam tilt range (0-40 degree) is realized in proposed multi-beam antenna systems. Each beam can be individually tilted. Based on proposed single- and multi-lens antenna solutions, cell coverage improvements and stadium tribune coverage optimization are also achieved, together with interference reduction.

This application proposes multi-beam antenna systems using spherical lens are proposed, with high isolation between antenna ports and compatible to 2×2, 4×4, 8×8 MIMO transceivers. Several compact multi-band multi-beam solutions (with wideband operation, 40%+, in each band) are achieved by creating dual-band radiators movable on the track around spherical lens and by placing of lower band radiators between spherical lenses. By using of secondary lens for high band radiators, coupling between low band and high band radiators is reduced. Beam tilt range and side lobe suppression are improved by special selection of phase shift and rotational angle of radiators. Resultantly, a wide beam tilt range (0-40 degree) is realized in proposed multi-beam antenna systems. Each beam can be individually tilted. Based on proposed single- and multi-lens antenna solutions, cell coverage improvements and stadium tribune coverage optimization are also achieved, together with interference reduction.

A microwave prism is used to repoint an operational Direct-to-Home (DTH) or Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) reflector antenna as part of a ground terminal to receive (or transmit) signals from a different satellite or orbital position without physically moving the reflector or the feed horn antenna. The microwave prism operates by shifting the radiated fields from the horn antenna generally perpendicular to the focal axis of the parabolic reflector in order to cause the main beam of the reflector to scan in response. For an existing reflector antenna receiving signals from an incumbent satellite, a prism has been designed to be snapped into place over the feed horn and shift the fields laterally by a calibrated distance. The structure of the prism is designed to be positioned and oriented correctly without the use of skilled labor. This system allows a satellite service provider to repoint their subscribers to a new satellite by shipping a self-install kit of the prism that is pre-configured to have the correct orientation and position on the feed antenna to correctly re-point the beam at a different satellite once the prism is applied. One benefit of the system is that unskilled labor, i.e., the subscribers themselves, can be used to repoint a large number of subscriber antennas in a satellite network rather than requiring the cost of a truck roll and a technician to visit every site. The microwave prisms to implement this functionality can be constructed in different ways, with homogeneous slabs or blocks, Gradient-Index (GRIN), multi-layered dielectric, geometric or graded-index Fresnel-zone, metasurface, or metamaterial prisms. The geometric and electrical constraints of the design are determined by the incumbent and target satellites, and the ground terminal location.

This disclosure relates generally to Millimeter Wave (MMW) frequency antenna scanning system. Conventional approaches available for scanning an antenna beam over a large angular swath with high directivity are unable to address concerns of size and cost involved. The technical problem of providing an MMW frequency antenna scanning system using a single small size antenna capable of scanning as desired at a desired precision is addressed in the present disclosure. The antenna scanning system provided is an electromechanical system that makes the system cost effective. Computer control provides precision control in beam steering from remote. Use of a metasurface and configuration of a radiating patch and a shorting pin in a microstrip antenna addresses the concern with regards to the size of the antenna scanning system.

A LIDAR device for scanning a scanning angle, including at least one radiation source for generating at least one electromagnetic beam, including a rotatable mirror for deflecting the at least one electromagnetic beam along the scanning angle, including a receiving unit for receiving at least one incoming electromagnetic beam and for deflecting the at least one incoming electromagnetic beam to at least one detector, and including at least one filter, the at least one filter being adaptable to the at least one incoming electromagnetic beam. Moreover, a method for scanning a scanning angle with the aid of such a LIDAR device is described.

A LIDAR device for scanning a scanning angle, including at least one radiation source for generating at least one electromagnetic beam, including a rotatable mirror for deflecting the at least one electromagnetic beam along the scanning angle, including a receiving unit for receiving at least one incoming electromagnetic beam and for deflecting the at least one incoming electromagnetic beam to at least one detector, and including at least one filter, the at least one filter being adaptable to the at least one incoming electromagnetic beam. Moreover, a method for scanning a scanning angle with the aid of such a LIDAR device is described.

The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which a high port count base station antenna uses an array of spherical lenses with multiple ports per frequency band, containing multiple frequency bands, and capable of multiple beam operation. In a preferred embodiment, the antenna system comprises a plurality of spherical, dielectric lenses, stacked vertically, where each lens is surrounded by four or more lower frequency radiating elements, or one circular element. The circular element can have multiple sub-elements, along with feed gaps.

An antenna system for at least one of Elint and Sigint, configured to detect weak electro-magnetic signals, comprises an antenna and a feed manifold, which comprises a plurality of feeds located on a focal surface of the antenna. The antenna is configured to function as a two-dimensional focusing element, having spherical symmetry. The system is configured such that a planar wave-front associated with a electro-magnetic signal, that is impinging on the antenna, is focused by the antenna to a feed, situated at a distance from the antenna corresponding to a focal distance of the antenna along a propagation vector of the wave-front. The spatial field of view of the antenna system is based on a number of feeds and the spacing between feeds. This produces, for each feed, a respective high-gain beam, with direction along the line connecting the center of the spherical symmetry and the feed.

Disclosed is an antenna having a toroidal gradient index lens, whereby a radiator may be disposed within the inner hole of the toroid. The antenna may include a mechanism that translates the radiator along the z-axis whereby an “upward” translation of the radiator along the z-axis tilts the antenna's elevation beam pattern downward. The radiator disposed within the hole of the toroid lens may be a dipole or a multi-sector radiator, such as a tri-sector radiator. Disclosed are two variations of the toroidal lens: a toroid shape, and a cylindrical toroidal shape.

One or more anisotropic lenses, where the permittivity and/or permeability is directional, are used to vary one or more of beamwidth, beam direction, polarization, and other parameters for one or more antennas. Contemplated anisotropic lenses can include conductive or dielectric fibers or other particles. Lenses can be spherical, cylindrical or have other shapes depending on application, and can be rotated and/or positioned. Important applications include land and satellite communication, base station antennas.