Gain enhancement of mm-wave antenna using graded index lens integrated frequency selective surface for 5G NR FR2 applications

Abstract In this study, the gain of a printed antenna is boosted for utilization in 5G systems by employing a phase-oriented graded index-type lens system. In the prescribed design, various metamaterial unit cells are arranged as arrays with radial phases for the graded meta lens to optimize transmission characteristics. The suggested arrangement creates a meta lens with spatially varying surface impedance and locally varying refractive index, allowing the conversion of spherical wavefronts into planar wavefronts for beam collimation in the 5G band. The focal length-to-diameter ratio (f/d) is fixed at 0.38 in this prescribed design. The integration of the FSS structure with the patch antenna enhances the efficiency above 98% and increases gain by 2.635dBi owing to the focusing effect of the properly placed lens. The prescribed planar lens is easy to realize during manufacturing compared to 3D lenses. The meta lens integrated patch yields a gain of around 8.936dBi at 29 GHz. The performance of the lens antenna is evaluated through simulation studies and then validation of results is performed with experimental arrangement to ensure accuracy and reliability of the suggested methodology for gain enhancement of the functioning antenna at FR2 5G spectrum.