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2-D scanning antenna and method for the utilization thereof

  • US 5,933,120 A
  • Filed: 12/16/1996
  • Issued: 08/03/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/16/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An imaging antenna comprising:

  • a spindle assembly defining a rotation axis, said spindle assembly including;

    a first rotational mounting for attachment to a platform so as to permit rotational motion about said rotation axis;

    a shaft attached to said rotational mounting, said shaft being capable of rotational motion about said rotation axis;

    a drive gear attached to said shaft;

    a pinion gear attached to said drive gear; and

    a first motor attached to said pinion gear;

    a waveguide assembly rotatably connected to said shaft so as to permit said waveguide assembly to rotate about said rotation axis, said waveguide assembly including;

    a first dielectric waveguide defining a first axis that is substantially perpendicular to said rotation axis;

    a first elongated cylindrical lens that i) is electromagnetically coupled to said first dielectric waveguide and ii) defines a lens axis that is substantially perpendicular to said rotation axis;

    a second dielectric waveguide defining a second axis that is substantially parallel to said first axis; and

    a second elongated cylindrical lens that i) is electromagnetically coupled to said second dielectric waveguide and ii) defines a lens axis that is substantially perpendicular to said rotation axis; and

    a grating assembly rotatably connected to said shaft with a second rotational mounting so as to permit said grating assembly to rotate about said rotation axis independently of said waveguide assembly, said grating assembly including;

    a substrate that i) is substantially normal to said rotation axis and ii) has a thickness a;

    a reflective layer connected to said substrate, said reflective layer defining a plane that is substantially normal to said rotation axis, wherein
    
    
    space="preserve" listing-type="equation">a=λ

    cos φ

    /(4.di-elect cons..sub.d .sup.1/2) where φ

    is a center of an angular scanning range, λ

    is the wavelength of an electromagnetic source and .di-elect cons.d is a dielectric constant of said substrate; and

    a plurality of sectors connected to said substrate, each of said plurality of sectors including a varying period conductive grating pattern of separated strips,wherein a varying period of said varying period conductive grating pattern of separated metal strips is a function of an angle defined by a rotational position of said grating assembly with regard to said rotation axis.

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