A coma-corrected multibeam shaped lens antenna, part II: Experiments

A dielectric lens based on the shaping technique described in Part I of this communication was fabricated and tested. This lens was shaped to control the sidelobes and zoned for improved scanning characteristics. Basic antenna measurements were conducted and excellent performance results have been observed. In the prototype lens system with unmatched surfaces, a 4 dB crossover between adjacent beams of -30 dB sidelobes was obtained. The beam was scanned up to without significant coma degradations. This coma-corrected zoned lens was developed for satellite multibeam applications. The multibeam antenna so designed not only reduces the total costs and the payload burden, but also enhances the system reliability and the overall gain compared to a conventional design because no complex feed network is required.