Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

12-1-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS)

Department

Physics

First Advisor

Teviet Creighton

Second Advisor

Volker Quetschke

Third Advisor

Edgar Corpuz

Abstract

Advancements in wireless communications necessitate innovative antenna designs for radar systems and satellite communications. The Luneburg lens, theorized by Rudolf Luneburg in 1944, is a gradient-index lens capable of focusing electromagnetic waves onto a point on its surface, offering potential improvements in antenna gain and performance. Access to the lenses, courtesy of Assured Space Access Incorporated, enabled me to research the lenses response, and specific design details remain confidential. Practical assessments of 3D-printed Luneburg lenses of varying sizes are limited, including factors such as lens alignment and focal point offset. This study investigates the performance of 6-inch and 13.25-inch Luneburg lenses in enhancing antenna gain, aiming to identify their efficacy and the influence of operational factors using the three-antenna method. Introduction of the Luneburg lenses resulted in both sizes achieving a maximum gain of 13 dB despite differing aperture sizes, outcomes below theoretical expectations. These findings suggest that factors like lens alignment and the spherical radiation patterns of the antennas may significantly impact performance.

Comments

Copyright 2024 Aram Flores. https://proquest.com/docview/3153452956

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