Low-cost focusing element for milimeter-wave monopulse radar

A focusing system based on low-cost foam printed technology is investigated. The design is based on artificial lenses which consist in stacked parallel-plate waveguides of various lengths. The foam technology allows a single block configuration with the primary source. As the dimensions of the lens are at least 10 λ
0
, full-wave analysis is not appropriate for fast design. A theoretical model [1] based on ray tracing, Goudet's formula and array factor is used, compared with electromagnetic models and validated by the experiment. Various lens configurations will be investigated and presented to meet collision avoidance radar antenna specifications.