Research on Dielectric Focusing Lens Antenna for HPM Atmospheric Breakdown Experiments?

To distinguish the dielectric surface break-down from the atmospheric breakdown, one method for atmospheric breakdown experiment by loading dielectric focusing lens is proposed. The focusing characteristics of dielectric focusing lens are investigated for the microwave frequency on the order of 1.3GHz to 9.3GHz, the lens focal length on the order of 0.3m to 0.9m and the dielectric constant on the order of 0.3 to 0.9. Simulations show that higher frequency, shorter focal length, and fitter dielectric constant result in better focus effect that the rising and falling edges of electric field strength change faster near the focus which is closer to the theoretical value. A dielectric focusing lens for the S-band is optimally designed with the polytetrafluoroethylene of 0.32m thickness, 0.6m diameter, and 0.4m focal length. The focus indicator of dielectric lens is measured and the atmospheric breakdown experiment is carried out. The experimental values of atmospheric breakdown are consistent with the theoretical values. The electric field strength with the lens at the focus is 5–6 times greater than that without focusing lens. The image of atmospheric breakdown by the dielectric lens focusing method experiment is clearer than that by the direct radiation method.