Frequency independent beam waveguide
AssigneeFord Aerospace & Communications Corporation
InventorHoward H. Luh
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A frequency independent beam waveguide comprises a row of equispaced identical axisymmetric phase setting means (1), which may be lenses or reflectors, or a combination of both, spaced a distance D apart from each other. The focal length of each phase setting means (1) is D/2. A launcher (2) spaced a distance D away from the first phase setting means (1A) in the row emits a beam of electromagnetic energy in the direction of said row. The phase and amplitude distribution in the cross-section (A) of the beam at the mouth of the launcher (2) is duplicated every other phase setting means (1) along the row (at locations B), independent of the frequency of the launched beam. As a result, the beam propagates along the row.
Claims6
A quasi-infinitely broadbanded beam waveguide comprising a row of several phase setting means spaced a distance D apart from each other;
- and
- a launcher for emitting a beam of electromagnetic energy in the direction of the row of phase setting means;
- wherein
- the focal length of each phase setting means is D/2;
- the launcher is spaced a distance D away from the first phase setting means in the row;
- the wavelength of the beam is very small compared with the diameter of each phase setting means;
- and
- the phase and amplitude distribution in the cross-section of the beam at the launcher is duplicated every other phase setting means, independent of the frequency of the launched beam;
- whereby
- the beam propagates along the row, independent of frequency.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.