A multi directional dielectric lens approach for antennas used in industrial RADAR applications

A multi directional dielectric lens approach for beam steering on the basis of an ellipsoidal antenna is presented in this paper. Good antenna characteristics allow a modification of the feeding device used for the desired beam steering in industrial RADAR applications at 24 GHz. Based on a geometrical-optical lens approach and 3D-electromagnetic field simulations the antenna is investigated and the resulting effects of the modification are discussed. The antenna beam is steerable in a wide range, only limited by the antenna dimensions. Using a movable waveguide or multiple feeding elements in one antenna within the same plane, an adjustable beam direction as well as a multistatic beam steering can be realized. Measurements of a prototype confirm the expected behaviour and demonstrate the applicability of the dielectric ellipsoidal lens antenna for beam steering in industrial RADAR applications.