Effective dielectric modeling for antenna lenses using fill-factor analysis and the Nicolson–Ross–Weir method
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https://doi.org/10.54939/1859-1043.j.mst.112.2026.73-82Keywords:
Antenna lens; Fill factor; Dielectric constant; Nicolson–Ross-Weir method.Abstract
The dielectric layer thickness is a key parameter in lens antenna systems, determining the controllability of phase distribution and radiation efficiency. However, the use of multiple materials with different dielectric constants often increases complexity and fabrication costs. To address this issue, this paper proposes establishing a streamlined and highly reliable design workflow for single-material lens antennas by rigorously validating a simple closed-form analytical method, based on the micro-periodic fill factor, against the complex Nicolson–Ross–Weir (NRW) parameter extraction algorithm. Computational and simulation results demonstrate that the effective dielectric values obtained from the analytical fill-factor approach exhibit excellent agreement with the NRW method, thereby proving that the proposed analytical model can effectively replace time-consuming full-wave parameter extraction processes and enable rapid optimization of the dielectric layer thickness. The method was applied to the design of a planar Lüneburg lens operating at 30 GHz, achieving an aperture efficiency above 0.9 across a broad frequency range while maintaining a stable beam pattern over various scanning angles. These results demonstrate the feasibility of the approach and highlight its potential for developing thin, easy-to-fabricate planar lens antennas suitable for high-frequency communication and radar systems.
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