Lens of gradient dielectric constant and methods of production

Abstract

Disclosed is a lens of gradient dielectric constant and methods for the production of same. The lens includes an inner core comprising a cured or fused substantially homogenous blend of glass spheres, curable or fusible binder and, as needed to increase dielectric constant, a low-loss dielectric material. The inner core preferably has a dielectric constant of about 2.0, and an interstitial void volume (representing trapped air space between elements of the cured or fused material) of from about 30% to about 50%. The lens also includes an outer shell layer comprising a cured or fused substantially homogenous blend of hollow glass spheres and curable or fusible resin. The outer shell layer preferably has a dielectric constant of about 1.0, and an interstitial void volume of from about 30% to about 50%. In addition, the lens includes a minimum of one, and preferably two or more intermediate layers, the intermediate layers having a dielectric constant falling between 1 and 2. The intermediate layers are comprised of a cured substantially homogenous blend of glass spheres, resin and, as needed to increase dielectric constant, a low-loss dielectric material. As is the case with the inner core and outer shell layers, the intermediate layer(s) have an interstitial void volume of from about 30% to about 50%. Also disclosed are methods of production for lenses of the type described above.