Electromagnetic signal focusing structures
Embodiments discussed herein refer to systems and structures for focusing dispersal of electromagnetic signals. Focusing of the electromagnetic signals is achieved by a reflective lens that is constructed from several extremely high frequency focusing layers. Each focusing layer can include an extremely high frequency focusing window that, collectively, define the geometry of a cavity backed reflective lens and its ability to focus electromagnetic signal dispersion.
1. A system, comprising:
an antenna to electrically couple an electromagnetic (EM) signal; and
a multi-layer substrate comprising a plurality of extremely high frequency (EHF) focusing layers, each of the EHF focusing layers comprising:
a dielectric portion forming an EHF focusing window transmissive to the EM signal, and
a plurality of conductive portions blocking the EM signal and forming a periphery of the EHF focusing window, wherein the conductive portions comprise conductive vias surrounding the dielectric portion, and wherein the conductive vias are spaced apart from each other such that the conductive vias block the EM signal from passing through the periphery of the EHF focusing window,
wherein the EHF focusing windows have different cross-sectional areas, and
wherein the EHF focusing windows collectively receive the EM signal and enhance constructive EM interference of the EM signal.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the cross-sectional areas of the EHF focusing windows are dimensioned such that a shape of the EHF focusing windows resembles a paraboloid.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the EHF focusing window of a top layer of the EHF focusing layers has a larger cross-sectional area than the EHF focusing window of another EHF focusing layer.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein a bottom layer of the EHF focusing layers comprises a ground layer to reflect the EM signal.
5. The system of claim 4 , wherein a distance between the antenna and the ground layer is less than ¼ of a wavelength of the EM signal.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein a thickness of the multi-layer substrate is less than 1 millimeter.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the antenna is positioned co-planar with one of the EHF focusing layers.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the system is a mobile device.
9. A module for controlling contactless communications with a counterpart communications unit, the module comprising:
a substrate comprising a surface;
contactless communications circuitry disposed on the surface of the substrate, the contactless communications circuitry comprising a die that functions as a ground layer that reflects an electromagnetic (EM) signal;
an antenna electrically coupled to the contactless communications circuitry and to electrically couple the EM signal; and
an EM focusing structure secured to the surface of the substrate and above the die and comprising a plurality of extremely high frequency (EHF) focusing layers, each of the EHF focusing layers including an EHF focusing window transmissive to the EM signal,
wherein the EHF focusing windows have different cross-sectional areas, and wherein the EHF focusing windows collectively receive the EM signal and enhance constructive EM interference of the EM signal.
10. The module of claim 9 , wherein the antenna is positioned co-planar with one of the EHF focusing layers and above the ground layer.
11. The module of claim 9 , wherein the antenna is positioned offset from the contactless communications circuitry and above the EHF focusing structure.
12. The module of claim 9 , wherein the plurality of EHF focusing layers comprise a first EHF focusing layer positioned on top of the surface of the substrate, a second EHF focusing layer positioned on top of the first EHF focusing layer, and a third EHF focusing layer positioned on top of the second EHF focusing layer.
13. The module of claim 12 , wherein the EHF focusing window of the first EHF focusing layer has a smaller cross-sectional area than the EHF focusing window of the second EHF focusing layer, and wherein the EHF focusing window of the second EHF focusing layer has a smaller cross-sectional area than the EHF focusing window of the third EHF focusing layer.
14. The module of claim 9 , wherein the contactless communication circuitry controls the antenna to receive or emit the EM signal.
15. An electromagnetic (EM) reflective lens comprising:
a ground plane to reflect an EM signal;
a first EHF focusing layer positioned on top of the ground plane, the first EHF focusing layer comprising a first EHF focusing window having a first cross-sectional area surrounded by a first plurality of vias;
a second EHF focusing layer positioned on top of the first EHF focusing layer, the second EHF focusing layer comprising a second EHF focusing window having a second cross-sectional area that is greater than the first cross-sectional area, wherein the second cross-sectional area is surrounded by a second plurality of vias; and
a third EHF focusing layer positioned on top of the second EHF focusing layer, the third EHF focusing layer comprising a third EHF focusing window having a third cross-sectional area that is greater than the second cross-sectional area, wherein the third cross-sectional area is surrounded by a third plurality of vias,
wherein the first, second, and third EHF focusing windows are transmissive to the EM signal and a shape of the EHF focusing windows resembles a paraboloid, and wherein the first, second, and third plurality of vias enhance constructive EM interference of the EM signal.
16. The EM reflective lens of claim 15 , wherein the EM signal is emitted from an antenna positioned above the first EHF focusing window.
17. The EM reflective lens of claim 15 , wherein each of the first, second, and third EHF focusing layers comprises a dielectric portion and conductive portions surrounding the dielectric portion, wherein the dielectric portion is transmissive to the EM signal and forms the EHF focusing window, and wherein the conductive portions block the EM signal.
18. The EM reflective lens of claim 15 , wherein the EM signal is emitted from an antenna positioned offset with respect to a center axis of the first, second, and third EHF focusing windows.
19. The EM reflective lens of claim 15 , wherein the EM signal is emitted from an antenna positioned co-planar with one of the first, second, and third EHF focusing layers.