Luneberg Lenses for Space Communications

The purpose of this paper is to create greater familiarity with recent developments in Luneberg lenses and to point out their usefulness in space communications. The term Luneberg lens is widely used to denote any lens having a radial variation in index of refraction. As a result of the radial variation in index a Luneberg lens antenna may scan a full 3600 by feed movement alone or simultaneous coverage in many directions may be accomplished by using multiple feeds. In the sections that follow the present state of the art with regard to Luneberg lens antennas and reflectors is briefly summarized and some examples to illustrate the use of Luneberg lenses in space communications systems are given. Lens structures are discussed as well as the possibility of using the atmosphere of a planet as a gigantic lens.