An E-band 3D-printed dielectric lens antenna with flat-top beam designed by hybrid optimization algorithm

An all-dielectric lens antenna (LA), with flat-top radiation patterns in both E- and H-planes, is proposed. The antenna covers the 64-70 GHz band. The dielectric LA consists of a source horn (LB-12-15-A with WR12) and a dielectric lens. The lens is composed of multiple layers of dielectric rings with different heights. The structural parameters of the dielectric lens are optimized by a hybrid optimization algorithm (particle swarm optimization [PSO]-genetic algorithm [GA]) that involves genetic operations of GA and PSO. The hybrid algorithm is beneficial to enhance the optimization efficiency, and an objective function is designed to optimize the beam width, the S11, and the sidelobe level (SLL). Both the simulated and measured results show that the dielectric LA provides good flat-top radiation patterns within the desired band. Moreover, the dielectric lens is manufactured by three-dimensional-printed technology, which allows for low cost, easy manufacturing, and lightweight.