Advancing 5G and Future Networks with Two-Dimensional Beam Lens Array Antennas

In the millimeter-wave band, great directivity and steering capabilities are required for future communication antennas to combat path loss. In this work, a simple linear array of water drop lenses operating at 46–52 GHz is presented,each lens has 11 rectangular waveguides with glide-symmetric holes that prevent leaks. These lenses are remarkable because they have scan losses of less than 1 dB and provide wide 120-degree beam coverage in the H-plane. While 70-degree scanning in the E-plane is made possible by a feeding network, losses in the H-plane are slightly higher. The lens array manufacturing process confirms a high degree of agreement between the simulated and experimental results.