Benchmark of lens antennas for KA-band global earth observation from leo satellites

This paper compares two different compact lens antenna approaches for a global Earth observation application at 26 GHz. Lens specifications were defined by Alcatel Alenia Space within the framework of ACE Network of Excellence activities. The lenses are required to match a secant square type radiation pattern template in the elevation plane. Two alternative specifications are defined for the azimuth radiation pattern template: either omnidirectional or with a mechanically scanned sector beam to enhance gain. Two alternative lens approaches are also evaluated for the above cases: one based on an axial-symmetric dome lens geometry (developed at "Instituto de Telecomunicacoes", Portugal) and another one based on a fully 3D lens design (developed at "IETR", France).

[1]  J.R. Costa,et al.  Double-shell axial-symmetric imaging lens antenna for space applications , 2005, 2005 IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium.

[2]  R. Sauleau,et al.  Small hemielliptic dielectric lens antenna analysis boundary integral equations vs. GO and PO , 2005, 2005 European Microwave Conference.

[3]  Gabriel M. Rebeiz,et al.  Double-slot antennas on extended hemispherical dielectric lenses , 1992 .

[4]  J. Martinez,et al.  Development of a compact antenna for global earth coverage , 1993, 1993 23rd European Microwave Conference.

[5]  C.A. Fernandes,et al.  Shaped double-shell dielectric lenses for wireless millimeter wave communications , 2000, IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium. Transmitting Waves of Progress to the Next Millennium. 2000 Digest. Held in conjunction with: USNC/URSI National Radio Science Meeting (C.

[6]  Ronan Sauleau,et al.  A shaping technique of substrate lens antennas with genetic algorithm , 2005, 11th International Symposium on Antenna Technology and Applied Electromagnetics [ANTEM 2005].

[7]  B.M. Kolundzija.  Electromagnetic modeling of composite metallic and dielectric structures , 1996, Trans Black Sea Region Symposium on Applied Electromagnetism.

[8]  B. Kolundžija.  Electromagnetic modeling of composite metallic and dielectric structures , 1996, IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium 1997. Digest.

[9]  Afonso M. Barbosa,et al.  A method to overcome the limitations of G.O. in axis-symmetric dielectric lens shaping , 1996 .

[10]  C.A. Fernandes.  Design of shaped lenses for non-symmetric cells in MBS , 1999, IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium. 1999 Digest. Held in conjunction with: USNC/URSI National Radio Science Meeting (Cat. No.99CH37010).