Wide-angle passive beam steering using 3D modified partial Maxwell fisheye lens

This study presents a broadband, 3D gradient index beam-steering lens, derived from an optimized modification of the partial Maxwell fisheye (PMFE) design, achieving a boresight gain of 23 dBi, -80 degrees to 80 degrees beam steering, and <10 dB gain roll-off. Utilizing fused filament fabrication (FFF) to realize its intricate geometry, the design employs a novel polar space-filling curve (PSFC) to establish a 3D varying, effective permittivity distribution. Rigorous simulations and experimental validation attest to its effectiveness, marking the first 3D implementation of a PMFE-type lens to our knowledge. This research underscores the feasibility and diverse applications of a low-cost, wide-angle passive beam-steering dielectric lens. (c) 2024 Optica Publishing Group under the terms of the Optica Open Access Publishing Agreement