Luneburg lens antenna with photonic sensors

The authors describe a concept that eliminates some disadvantages of standard approaches to sensing electromagnetic fields by implementing an all-dielectric field sensing system composed of a Luneburg lens antenna and photonic sensors. The system allows the measurement of the frequency, amplitude, phase, and angle-of-arrival of the fields. Tests on the prototype of the Luneburg lens with a photonic sensor have shown promising results. Examples of applications for use of this system include probing the field of anechoic chambers; probing areas of potential biological hazards; and as receiving antennas not susceptible to lightning, e.g., as a replacement to the parabolic satellite television antenna.<>