LTCC-based dielectric flat lens performance evaluation at 94 GHz

The design and performance evaluation of an inhomogeneous LTCC-based dielectric flat lens at 94 GHz is presented. A previously introduced dielectric flat lens design with its effective permittivity (ε_r) circularly distributed in a set of six discrete concentric rings is modeled and analyzed for a practical LTCC technology fabrication. The focusing capabilities of this lens prototype are numerically estimated and practically tested at 94 GHz, in order to evaluate its performance for automotive radar applications, passive imaging systems, or communication systems at this frequency, in which the beam-scanning and high-gain beams are desirable. Our numerical results indicate that we are able to obtain up to 21 dB of broadside gain and beam-steering capabilities from -52° to 52° with around 13.5 dB gain. Promising preliminary measurements at 94 GHz show that with the proposed LTCC-based flat lens antenna solution we can achieve beam-steering capabilities from -45 to +45° without appreciable pattern distortion.