Electromagnetic Simulation of a Negative Refractive Index Lens Antenna

Lens antennas are well known to achieve good multi-beam radiation patterns. When lens material is formed by a negative refractive index material, multi-beam radiation patterns are improved because the lens thickness is reduced. An electromagnetic simulator is convenient for obtaining radiation characteristics. However, the suitable electromagnetic simulator for a negative refractive index lens simulation is limited. Only a few electronic simulators can simulate a negative refractive index value. In this paper, the availability of HFSS software is examined. Calculation methods such as structure forming and calculation parameter setting are explained. Calculated results of electrical near field distribution, aperture distribution of amplitude and phase and radiation pattern are shown. By comparing calculated results with theoretical values, accuracies of calculated results are ensured.