Optimization of a luneberg lens antenna using the differential evolution algorithm

The design optimization of a spherical luneberg lens (SLL) using the differential evolution (DE) algorithm is investigated in this paper. In particular, special attention is given to the optimal gain of the lens antenna. A five-layered SLL is analyzed using the spherical vector wave function expansions (SWE) and optimized by the DE algorithm. The radiation characteristics calculated by SWE are in agreement with the simulation results by commercial software. The optimal structural parameters of the Luneberg lens antenna are also presented.