Ultralong Wave Focusing via Generalized Luneburg Lens

TL;DR

This paper introduces a generalized Luneburg lens design enabling ultralong, broadband wave focusing with controllable focal properties, demonstrated through simulations and experiments in a thin plate structure.

Contribution

It presents a novel double-foci gradient index lens based on GLL concept, allowing flexible control of focusing length and energy localization in ultralong wave focusing.

Findings

Achieved ultralong subwavelength focusing over a broadband frequency range.

Demonstrated control over FLHM and FWHM through focal length design.

Validated results with numerical simulations and experimental studies.

Abstract

In this paper, a novel gradient index (GRIN) structural lens based on the concept of generalized Luneburg lens (GLL) is proposed. This lens allows for the realization of double foci and localization of energy flow between the two focal spots, thereby achieving ultralong focusing. The double-foci GRIN lens consists of two concentric circular regions with varying thickness defined in a thin plate structure. The two concentric circular regions are designed to realize continuous change of refractive indices with different profiles. Numerical simulations and experimental studies are performed to obtain the maximum displacement amplitude, full length at half maximum (FLHM), and full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the focal region of the lens. The results demonstrate that ultralong subwavelength focusing can be achieved for a broadband frequency range. In addition, our results show that the FLHM and FWHM can be tailored through the design of the focal length of the GLL. This offers a simple and flexible approach of engineering the GLL focusing characteristics and energy distributions for many applications.