Patent Publication Number: US-11394124-B2

Title: Antenna lens switched beam array for tracking satellites

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 17/115,718, filed Dec. 8, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 17/086,141, filed Oct. 30, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 16/740,376, filed Jan. 10, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 10,559,886, filed May 24, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 10,326,208, filed Dec. 3, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 10,224,636, filed Sep. 8, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 10,224,635, filed Oct. 10, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 9,728,860, filed Dec. 3, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/201,523 filed Aug. 5, 2015. This and all other referenced extrinsic materials are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in a reference that is incorporated by reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein is deemed to be controlling. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The field of the invention is radio frequency antenna technology. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     In many cases, capacity in a wireless network can be increased by: 1) adding to the number of nodes in the network, 2) providing increased frequency coverage (e.g. wider bandwidths), or 3) improving the air interface method to increase data throughput. However, the second and third approaches generally rely on advances outside the network operator&#39;s control. For example, the acquisition and utilization of wider bandwidths depend on local governments granting new licenses for a given section of the RF spectrum. Further, improved air interface methods are typically developed outside the Research and Development processes of the network operators. As such, network operators can choose to split cells—this cell splitting has been a known step in increasing network capacity since cellular networks were invented in the 1970s. However, new cells historically meant the necessity of a new site along with the associated complexity and costs. Another known alternative process is to increase the number of sectors at a given cell site. This alternative process could be accomplished by adding additional antennas at a given site, or by using common aperture multi-beam antennas. 
     However, a drawback of multiple beam antennas is poor beam to beam isolation. Beam isolation is calculated by the amount of impinging signals produced by beams adjacent to that beam assigned to a receiver. From a transmit view, beam isolation is a representation of the amount of unwanted signal transmitted into the wrong beam. There are two major contributors to beam to beam isolation: 1) coupling from non-radiating feed network components (e.g. Butler matrix), and 2) coupling from radiating network components (e.g. radiating beams). Also, while a Butler Matrix itself typically has directivity of roughly 20 dB, when added to the azimuth side lobes it results in poor beam to beam isolation of roughly 15 dB for a multiple beam antenna. 
     In contrast, multi-lens based antenna arrays have superior performance in several key performance metrics compared to aforementioned antenna systems including: 1) the ability to provide large electrical down tilt angles for the main output beam while configured to maintain gain, beam width, cross polarization discrimination (cross-pol), and side lobe levels (SLL), 2) a reduction in the number of radiating elements compared to non-lens based antennas, 3) a higher antenna efficiency, 4) an ability to form multiple beam arrays using a common aperture without utilizing a Butler Matrix. 
     Multiple beam, multi-lens antenna arrays are very useful in 4G and 5G wireless networks as they increase capacity while maintaining antenna size and volumes similar to single beam antennas and are easily combined in multiple column arrays for 4×4 multiple input/multiple output (MIMO). However, a limitation of all multiple beam antenna arrays are the side lobes (SLL) in the azimuth plane. As the azimuth SLL increases, the network has a more difficult time discriminating between output beams. Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) alarms, coupled to the RF elements, are based on power received due to a transmitter signal, such that when a multiple beam antenna has poor beam to beam isolation, a transmit power imbalance between beams due to higher traffic into a beam can cause VSWR alarms. This is a major drawback to multiple beam antennas. 
     FIG. 6 of the prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 8,311,582 to Trigui et. al., depicts a two-beam antenna system with poor azimuth side lobe levels. The antenna described in Trigui uses a Butler Matrix, an RF network device that when applied to multiple beam antennas comprises N inputs and M outputs (i.e. an N×M Butler Matrix). The M outputs each feed one RF element of the array, such that the elements that are arrayed in the azimuth plane. In FIG. 6, M=3. The N inputs each produce a separate beam by creating a distinct phasing between the M outputs for each input. Here, N=2 for the dual beam antenna using a Butler Matrix. FIG. 6 of Trigui is an example of a multiple beam antenna based on a 2×3 Butler Matrix with inherently poor beam to beam isolation (e.g. roughly 15 dB). 
     RF lens-based antenna sub-systems find wide use outside the area of wireless communication systems for the reasons previously mentioned; low weight, superior beam isolation, consistent performance over scan angle. The use of RF lens-based antenna sub-systems in satellite tracking systems is a recent area of industry focus. 
     The scalable approach described here extends the teaching of satellite tracking to include a switched beam system that does not require rapid repositioning of beams, but instead relies on the rapid switching between beams located at different positions and with higher resolution. This approach uses low noise amplifiers (LNAs) and transmit amplifiers with RF switching and distribution systems to place the output area of an output beam in a desired location, without the use of phase shifters. In place of phase shifters that provide continuous scanning, a switched beam architecture is presented, providing higher performance by accurately configuring multiple output beams using highly reliable switching techniques. In the receive path, the Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) limit the deterioration in the signal to noise (S/N) ratio which keeps a high signal integrity through the RF switching and distribution matrix. 
     Phase shifters are used when beam position needs to be finely tuned to a specific location. When multiple emitters are to be tracked a more efficient method of tracking is to provide a cluster of high gain, narrow beam width beams, placing the emitters in a given beams&#39; output area, which can be scaled to even more narrow beams by arraying together lenses with beams pointing in the same area of the sky. 
     The tracking of RF signal emitters (e.g. satellites, aircraft, missiles, etc.) has evolved over many decades. The goal of these RF signal tracking systems is to acquire the emitters RF signal, pinpoint the look angle (e.g. elevation and azimuth), and maintain tracking as the emitter moves relative to the receiver. Several proven techniques exist. One example technique is the Monopulse technique, where position is determined through a feedback system keeping the object in the center of the difference pattern. Another example are the giant PAVE-PAWS radars, installed strategically around the northern hemisphere, that are capable of tracking numerous high velocity emitters simultaneously. These two examples highlight the tradeoff between nimble tracking of a single emitter (e.g. monopulse) and the ability to track many emitters simultaneously (e.g. PAVE-PAWS). RF emitter tracking systems are often installed on aircraft, ships, and vehicles where size, weight, wind load, and structural considerations are paramount. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which an antenna uses an array of spherical lenses in a staggered arrangement to reduce azimuth side lobe levels. In exemplary embodiments, for a typical three beam antenna system, the central beams reduce the azimuth SLL without phase compensation, while the outer beams achieve the SLL reduction using phasing to adjust for different path lengths required to cancel the azimuth side lobes in a given direction 
     In preferred embodiments the antenna includes at least two spherical lenses aligned along a virtual axis, and an element assembly for each spherical lens. Each element assembly has at least one track that curves along the contour of the exterior surface of the spherical lens and along which a radio frequency (RF) element can move. The track advantageously allows the RF element to move in a direction that is parallel to the virtual axis. In some embodiments, the tracks also enable the RF elements to move in a direction that is perpendicular to the virtual axis. 
     Preferred antennas also include a phase shifter that is configured to adjust a phase of the signals produced by the RF elements, and a control mechanism that is connected to the phase shifter and the RF elements. The control mechanism is configured to enable a user to move the RF elements along their respective tracks, as well as automatically configure the phase shifter to modify a phase of the output signals from the elements based on the relative positions between the RF elements. 
     Multiple RF elements can be placed on a single track, thus allowing different RF elements on the same track to be moved independently of each other. In addition, the control mechanism can be programmed to both coordinate multiple pairs (or groups) of RF elements, and configure a phase shifter to modify a phase of the output signals transmitted from the same pair (or group) of RF elements, so that the signals would be in-phase. 
     Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an exemplary antenna system. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates an exemplary control mechanism. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate the front and back perspectives, respectively, of a spherical lens having one-dimensional tracks. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an alternative antenna system having two-dimensional tracks. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate the front and back perspectives, respectively, of a spherical lens having a two-dimensional track. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an antenna that pairs opposite RF elements in the same group. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates another antenna that pairs opposite RF elements in the same group. 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates an antenna array with a first and a second lens, each producing output beams via their RF element. 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates the output areas of the first and second lenses. 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates the placement of RF elements on multiple lenses in an antenna array. 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates the operation of output areas in various output area groupings. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an antenna arrangement with a first, a second, and a third lens, each producing output beams via their RF elements. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an alternative antenna system with a first, a second, and a third lens in a staggered arrangement. 
         FIG. 11A  illustrate the top down perspective of an alternative antenna system with a first, a second, and a third lens in a staggered arrangement. 
         FIG. 11B  illustrate the front-facing perspective of an alternative antenna system with a first, a second, and a third lens in a staggered arrangement. 
         FIG. 11C  illustrate the side-view perspective of an alternative antenna system with a first, a second, and a third lens in a staggered arrangement. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates the operation of an alternative antenna system depicted in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIGS. 13A  and B illustrate the alternative antenna system of  FIG. 10  with a first, a second, a third, and a fourth lens in a staggered arrangement. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an antenna array in a staggered arrangement, with dielectric blocks. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an alternative antenna array with a first and a second lens, each producing output beams via their RF element. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates an antenna arrangement with a six lenses, each producing output beams via their RF elements, in a beam switching configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Throughout the following discussion, numerous references will be made regarding servers, services, interfaces, engines, modules, clients, peers, portals, platforms, or other systems formed from computing devices. It should be appreciated that the use of such terms is deemed to represent one or more computing devices having at least one processor (e.g., ASIC, FPGA, DSP, x86, ARM, ColdFire, GPU, multi-core processors, etc.) configured to execute software instructions stored on a computer readable tangible, non-transitory medium (e.g., hard drive, solid state drive, RAM, flash, ROM, etc.). For example, a server can include one or more computers operating as a web server, database server, or other type of computer server in a manner to fulfill described roles, responsibilities, or functions. One should further appreciate the disclosed computer-based algorithms, processes, methods, or other types of instruction sets can be embodied as a computer program product comprising a non-transitory, tangible computer readable media storing the instructions that cause a processor to execute the disclosed steps. The various servers, systems, databases, or interfaces can exchange data using standardized protocols or algorithms, possibly based on HTTP, HTTPS, AES, public-private key exchanges, web service APIs, known financial transaction protocols, or other electronic information exchanging methods. Data exchanges can be conducted over a packet-switched network, a circuit-switched network, the Internet, LAN, WAN, VPN, or other type of network. 
     As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, when a system, engine, or a module is described as configured to perform a set of functions, the meaning of “configured to” or “programmed to” is defined as one or more processors being programmed by a set of software instructions to perform the set of functions. 
     The following discussion provides example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed. 
     As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously. 
     As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “stagger” is defined as the perpendicular offset between at least two virtual axis&#39;. 
     In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the inventive subject matter are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the inventive subject matter are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the inventive subject matter may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. 
     As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value within a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary. 
     All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the inventive subject matter and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the inventive subject matter otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the inventive subject matter. 
     Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims. 
     In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, an antenna uses an array of spherical lens and mechanically movable elements along the surface of the spherical lens to provide coverage for a small, focused geographical area. In some embodiments, the antenna includes at least two spherical lens aligned along a virtual axis. The antenna also includes an element assembly for each spherical lens. Each element assembly has at least one track that curves along the contour of the exterior surface of the spherical lens and along which a radio frequency (RF) element can move. In preferred embodiments, the track allows the RF element to move in a direction that is parallel to the virtual axis. The antenna also includes a phase shifter that is configured to adjust a phase of the signals produced by the RF elements. The antenna includes a control mechanism that is connected to the phase shifter and the RF elements. The control mechanism is configured to enable a user to move the RF elements along their respective tracks, and automatically configure the phase shifter to modify a phase of the output signals from the elements based on the relative positions between the RF elements. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates an antenna system  100  according to some embodiments of the inventive subject matter. In this example, the antenna system  100  includes two spherical lenses  105  and  110  that are aligned along a virtual axis  115  in a three-dimensional space. It is noted that although only two spherical lenses are shown in this example, more spherical lens can be aligned along the virtual axis  115  in the antenna system  100 . A spherical lens is a lens with a surface having a shape of (or substantially having a shape of) a sphere. As defined herein, a lens with a surface that substantially conform to the shape of a sphere means at least 50% (preferably at least 80%, and even more preferably at least 90%) of the surface area conforms to the shape of a sphere. Examples of spherical lenses include a spherical-shell lens, the Luneburg lens, etc. The spherical lens can include only one layer of dielectric material, or multiple layers of dielectric material. A conventional Luneburg lens is a spherically symmetric lens that has multiple layers inside the sphere with varying indices of refraction. 
     The antenna system  100  also includes an element assembly  120  associated with the spherical lens  105 , and an element assembly  125  associated with the spherical lens  110 . Each element assembly includes at least one track. In this example, the element assembly  120  includes a track  130  while the element assembly  125  includes a track  135 . As shown, each of the tracks  130  and  135  has a shape that substantially conforms to (curves along) the exterior surface of its associated spherical lens. The tracks  130  and  135  can vary in length and in dimensions. In this example, the tracks  130  and  135  are one-dimensional and oriented along the virtual axis  115 . In addition, each of the tracks  130  and  135  covers less than half of a circle created by the respective spherical lens. However, it is contemplated that the tracks  130  and  135  can have different orientation (e.g., oriented in perpendicular to the virtual axis  115 , etc.), can be two-dimensional (or multi-dimensional), and/or can cover smaller or larger portions of the surface areas of the spherical lenses  105  and  110  (e.g., covering a circumference of a circle created by the spherical lenses  105  and  110 , covering a hemispherical area of the spherical lenses  105  and  110 , etc.). 
     Each of the element assemblies  120  and  125  also houses at least one RF element. An RF element can include an emitter, a receiver, or a transceiver. As shown, the element assembly  120  houses an RF element  140  on the track  130 , and the element assembly  125  houses an RF element  145  on the track  135 . In this example, each of the element assemblies  120  and  125  only includes one RF element, but it has been contemplated that each element assembly can house multiple RF elements on one or more tracks. 
     In exemplary embodiments, each RF element (from RF elements  140  and  145 ) is configured to transmit an output signal (e.g., a radio frequency signal) in the form of a beam to the atmosphere through its corresponding spherical lens. The spherical lens allows the output RF signal to narrow so that the resultant beam can travel a farther distance. In addition, the RF elements  140  and  145  are configured to receive/detect incoming signals that have been focused by the spherical spheres  105  and  110 . 
     Each RF element (of the RF elements  140  and  145 ) is physically connected to (or alternatively, communicatively coupled with) a phase shifter for modifying a phase of the output RF signal. In this example, the RF element  140  is communicatively coupled to a phase shifter  150  and the RF element  145  is communicatively coupled to a phase shifter  155 . The phase shifters  150  and  155  are in turn physically connected to (or alternatively, communicatively coupled with) a control mechanism  160 . 
     The control mechanism  160  includes a mechanical module configured to enable a user to mechanically move the RF elements  140  and  145  along the tracks  130  and  135 , respectively. The interface that allows the user to move the RF elements can be a mechanical rod or other physical trigger. It is noted that the mechanical rod can have a shape such as a cylinder, a flat piece of dielectric material, or any kind of elongated shapes. In some embodiments, the control mechanism  160  also includes an electronic device having at least one processor and memory that stores software instructions, that when executed by the processor, perform the functions and features of the control mechanism  160 . The electronic device of some embodiments is programmed to control the movement of the RF elements  140  and  145  along the tracks  130  and  135 , respectively. The electronic device can also provide a user interface (e.g., a graphical user interface displayed on a display device, etc.) that enables the user to control the movement of the RF elements  140  and  145 . The electronic device can in turn be connected to a motor that controls the mechanical module. Thus, the motor triggers the mechanical module upon receiving a signal from the electronic device. 
     For example, the control mechanism  160  can move the RF element  140  from position ‘a’ (indicated by dotted-line circle) to position ‘b’ (indicated by solid-line circle) along the track  130 , and move the RF element  145  from position ‘c’ (indicated by dotted-line circle) to position ‘d’ (indicated by solid-line circle) along the track  135 . By moving the RF elements to different positions, the antenna system  100  can dynamically change the geographical coverage area of the antenna  100 . It is also contemplated that by moving multiple RF elements and arranging them in different positions, the antenna system  100  can also dynamically change the coverage size, and capacity allocated to different geographical areas. As such, the antenna system  100 , via the control mechanism  160 , can be programmed to configure the RF elements to provide coverage at different geographical areas and different capacity (by having more or less RF elements covering the same geographical area) depending on demands at the time. 
     For example, as the control mechanism  160  moves the RF elements  140  and  145  from positions ‘a’ and ‘c’ to positions ‘b’ and ‘d,’ respectively, the antenna system  100  can change the geographical coverage area to an area that is closer to the antenna system  100 . It is also noted that having multiple spherical lenses with associated RF element allow the antenna system  100  to (1) provide multiple coverage areas and/or (2) increase the capacity within a coverage area. In this example, since both of the RF elements  140  and  145  associated with the spherical lenses  105  and  110  are directing resultant output signal beams at the same direction as indicated by arrows  165  and  170   
     However, it is noted that in an antenna system where multiple spherical lenses are aligned with each other along a virtual axis (e.g., the virtual axis  115 ), when multiple RF elements are transmitting output RF signals through the multiple spherical lenses at an angle that is not perpendicular to the virtual axis along which the spherical lenses are aligned, the signals from the different RF elements will be out of phase. In this example, it is shown from the dotted lines  175 - 185  that the output signals transmitted by the RF elements  140  and  145  at positions ‘b’ and ‘d,’ respectively, are out of phase. Dotted lines  175 - 185  are virtual lines that are perpendicular to the direction of the resultant output signal beams transmitted from RF elements  140  and  145  at positions ‘b’ and ‘d,’ respectively. As such, dotted lines  175 - 185  indicate positions of advancement for the resultant output beams. When the output signal beams are in phase, the output signal beams should have the same progression at each of the positions  175 - 185 . Assuming both RF elements  140  and  145  transmit the same output signal at the same time, without any phase adjustments, the output signal beams  165  and  170  would have the same phase at the time they leave the spherical lenses  105  and  110 , respectively. As shown, due to the directions the beams are transmitted with respect to how the spherical lenses  105  and  110  are aligned (i.e., the orientation of the virtual axis  115 ), the position  175  is equivalent to the edge of the spherical lens  105  for the signal beam  165 , but is equivalent to the center of the spherical lens  110  for the signal beam  170 . Similarly, the position  180  is away from the edge of the spherical lens  105  for a distance ‘e’ while the position  180  is equivalent to the edge of the spherical lens  110 . As such, in order to make the signal beams  165  and  170  in phase, the control mechanism  160  configures the phase shifters  150  and  155  to modify (or adjust) the phase of the output signal transmitted by either RF element  140  or  145 , or both output signals transmitted by RF elements  140  and  145 . In this example, the control mechanism  160  can adjust the phase of the output signal transmitted by RF element  145  by a value equivalent to the distance ‘e’ such that output signal beams  165  and  170  are in-phase. 
     In other embodiments, the control mechanism  160  is configured to automatically determine the phase modifications necessary to bring the output beams in-phase based on the positions of the RF elements. It is contemplated that a user can provide an input of a geographical areas to be covered by the antenna system  100  and the control mechanism  160  would automatically move the positions of the RF elements to cover the geographical areas and configure the phase shifters to ensure that the output beams from the RF elements are in phase based on the new positions of the RF elements. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates an example of a control mechanism  102  attached to the element assembly  103  that is associated with the spherical lens  107 . The mechanical module  102  includes a housing  104 , within which a rod  106  is disposed. The rod  106  has teeth  108  configured to rotate a gear  112 . The gear can in turn control the movement of the RF element  109 . Under this setup, a person can manually adjust the position of the RF element  109  by moving the rod  106  up and down. It has been contemplated that the rod  106  can be extended to reach other element assemblies (for example, an element assembly and spherical lens that are stacked on top of the spherical lens  107 ). That way, the rod can effectively control the movement of RF elements associated with more than one spherical lens. 
     A phase shifter can be implemented within the same mechanism  102 , by integrating the rod  106  into the phase shifter design. When the rod is integrated into the phase shifter, adjusting the position of the rod  106  in this manner modifies the phase of an output signal transmitted by the RF element  109 . It is noted that one can configure the position of the rod  106  and the gear  112  such that the position of the RF element  109  and the phase modification is in-sync. This way, one can simply provide a single input (moving the rod up or down by a distance) to adjust both the position of the RF element  109  and the phase of the output signal. 
     It is also contemplated that an electric device (not shown) can be connected to the end of the rod (not attached to the gear  112 ). The electric device can control the movement of the rod  106  based on an input electronic signal, thereby controlling the movement of the RF element  109  and the phase adjustment of the output signal. A computing device (not shown) can communicatively couple with the electric device to remotely control the RF element  109  and the phase of the output signal. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate the spherical lens  105  and the element assembly  120  from different perspectives. Specifically,  FIG. 2A  illustrates the spherical lens  105  from a front perspective, in which the element assembly  120  (including the track  130  and the RF element  140 ) appear to be behind the spherical lens  105 . In this figure, the signals emitting from the RF element  140  are directed outward from the page.  FIG. 2B  illustrates the spherical lens  105  from a back perspective, in which the element assembly  120  (including the track  130  and the RF element  140 ) appear to be behind the spherical lens  105 . In this figure, the signals emitting from the RF element  140  are directed into the page. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an antenna  300  in which the tracks associated with the spherical lens is two dimensional and each track associated with a spherical lens includes two RF elements. The antenna  300  is similar to the antenna  100  of  FIG. 1 . As shown, the antenna  300  has two spherical lenses  305  and  310  aligned along a virtual axis  315  in a three-dimensional space. The spherical lens  305  has an associated element assembly  320 , and the spherical lens  310  has an associated element assembly  325 . The element assembly  320  has a track  330 , and similarly, the element assembly  325  has a track  335 . The tracks  330  and  335  are two dimensional. 
     In addition, each of the tracks  325  and  335  includes two RF elements. As shown, the track  325  has RF elements  340  and  345 , and the track  335  has RF elements  350  and  355 . The two dimensional tracks  330  and  335  allows the RF elements  340 - 355  to move in a two dimensional field in their respective tracks. In exemplary embodiments, the antenna  300  creates groups of RF elements, where each group consists of one RF element from each element assembly. In this example, the antenna  300  has two groups of RF elements. The first group of RF elements includes the RF element  340  of the element assembly  320  and the RF element  350  of the element assembly  325 . The second group of RF elements includes the RF element  345  of the element assembly  320  and the RF element  355  of the element assembly  325 . The antenna  300  provides a control mechanism and phase shifter for each group of RF elements. In this example, the antenna  300  provides a control mechanism and phase shifter  360  (all in one assembly) for the first group of RF elements and a control mechanism and phase shifter  365  for the second group of RF elements. The control mechanism and phase shifters are configured to modify the positions of the RF elements within the group and to modify the phase of the output signals transmitted by the RF elements in the group such that the output signals coming out for the respective spherical lens  305  and  310  are in-phase. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrates the spherical lens  305  Figures and its element assembly  320  from different perspectives. Specifically,  FIG. 4A  illustrates the spherical lens  305  from a front perspective, in which the element assembly  320  (including the track  330  and the RF elements  340  and  345 ) appear to be behind the spherical lens  305 . In this figure, the signals emitting from the RF element  340  and  345  are directed outward from the page. As shown, the RF elements  340  and  345  can move up and down (parallel to the virtual axis  315 ) or sideways (perpendicular to the virtual axis  315 ), as shown by the arrows near the RF element  340 . 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates the spherical lens  305  from a back perspective, in which the element assembly  320  (including the track  330  and the RF elements  340  and  345 ) appear to be behind the spherical lens  305 . In this figure, the signals emitting from the RF elements  340  and  345  are directed into the page. It is contemplated that more than two RF elements can be installed in the same element assembly, and different patterns (e.g., 3×3, 4×3, 4×4, etc.) of RF element arrangements can be formed on the element assembly. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 3 , it is noted that the RF elements that are in substantially identical positions with respect to their respective spherical lens are grouped together. For example, the RF element  340  is paired with the RF element  350  because their positions relative to their respective associated spherical lenses  305  and  310  are substantially similar. Similarly, the RF element  345  is paired with the RF element  355  because their positions relative to their respective associated spherical lenses  305  and  310  are substantially similar. It is contemplated that the manner in which RF elements are paired can affect the vertical footprint of the resultant beam (also known as polarized coincident radiation pattern) generated by the RF elements. As defined herein, the vertical footprint of an RF element means the coverage area of the RF element on a dimension that is parallel to the axis along which the spherical lenses are aligned. For practical purposes, the goal is to maximize the overlapping areas (also known as the cross polarized coincident radiation patterns) of the different resultant beams generated by multiple RF elements. 
     As such, in another aspect of the inventive subject matter, an antenna having an array of spherical lenses pairs opposite RF elements that are associated with different spherical lenses to cover substantially overlapping geographical areas. In some embodiments, each spherical lens in the array of spherical lenses has a virtual axis that is parallel with other virtual axes associated with the other spherical lenses in the array. One of the paired RF elements is placed on one side of the virtual axis associated with a first spherical lens and the other one of the paired RF elements is placed on the opposite side of the virtual axis associated with a second spherical lens. In preferred embodiments, the antenna also includes a control mechanism programmed to configure the paired RF elements to provide output signals to and/or receive input signals from substantially overlapping geographical areas. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example of such an antenna  500  of preferred embodiments. The antenna  500  includes an array of spherical lens (including spherical lenses  505  and  510 ) that is aligned along an axis  515 . Although the antenna  500  in this example is shown to include only two spherical lenses in the array of spherical lenses, it has been contemplated that the antenna  500  can include more spherical lenses that are aligned along the axis  515  as desired. 
     Each spherical lens also includes an RF element arrangement axis that is parallel to one another. In this example, the spherical lens  505  has an RF element arrangement axis  540  and the spherical lens  510  has an RF element arrangement axis  545 . Preferably, the RF element arrangement axes  540  and  545  are perpendicular to the virtual axis  515  along which the spherical lenses  505  and  510  are aligned, as shown in this example. However, it has been contemplated that the RF element arrangement axes can be in any orientation, as long as they are parallel with each other. 
     As shown, each spherical lens in the array has associated RF elements. In this example, the spherical lens  505  has two associated RF elements  520  and  525 , and the spherical lens  510  has two associated RF elements  530  and  535 . The RF elements associated with each spherical lens are placed along the surface of the spherical lens, on different sides of the RF element arrangement axis. As shown, the RF element  520  is placed on top of (on one side of) the RF element arrangement axis  540  and the RF element  525  is placed on the bottom of (on the other side of) the RF element arrangement axis  540 . Similarly, the RF element  530  is placed on top of (on one side of) the RF element arrangement axis  545  and the RF element  535  is placed on the bottom of (on the other side of) the RF element arrangement axis  545 . 
     The antenna  500  also includes control mechanisms  550  and  555  for coordinating groups of RF elements. As mentioned before, it has been contemplated that pairing opposite RF elements that are associated with different spherical lens (i.e., pairing RF elements that are on opposite sides of the RF element arrangement axis) provides the optimal overlapping vertical footprints. Thus, the control mechanism  550  is communicatively coupled with the RF element  520  (which is placed on top of the RF element arrangement axis  540 ) and the RF element  535  (which is placed on the bottom of the RF element arrangement axis  545 ) to coordinate the RF elements  520  and  535  to provide signal coverage of substantially the same geographical area. Similarly, the control mechanism  555  is communicatively coupled with the RF element  525  (which is placed on the bottom of the RF element arrangement axis  540 ) and the RF element  530  (which is placed on top of the RF element arrangement axis  545 ) to coordinate the RF elements  525  and  530  to provide signal coverage of substantially the same geographical area. In some embodiments, the control mechanisms  550  and  555  also include phase shifters configured to modify the phase of the signals being outputted by their associated RF elements. Thus, this embodiment has an antenna assembly that includes a control mechanism but does not include phase shifters. Without phase shifters, the design and operation of the antenna assembly is simplified, but may have signals from output antennas that are slightly out-of phase. 
     In addition to the requirement that the grouped RF elements have to be on different sides of the RF element arrangement axis, it is preferable that the distance between the RF elements and the RF element arrangement axis are substantially the same (less than 10%, and more preferably less than 5% deviation). Thus, in this example, the distance between the RF element  520  and the axis  540  is substantially the same as the distance between the RF element  535  and the axis  545 . Similarly, the distance between the RF element  525  and the axis  540  is substantially the same as the distance between the RF element  530  and the axis  545 . 
     While the RF elements  520 - 535  are shown to be placed at fixed locations in this figure, in some other embodiments, the antenna  500  can also include tracks that enable the RF elements to move to different positions along the surface of their respective spherical lenses. In these embodiments, the control mechanisms  550  and  555  are configured to coordinate their associated RF elements and phase shifters to send out synchronized signals to a covered geographical area. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the RF element arrangement axes are arranged to be perpendicular to the axis along which the spherical lenses are aligned. As mentioned above, the RF element arrangement axes can be oriented in different ways.  FIG. 6  illustrates an antenna  600  having RF elements placed on different sides of RF element arrangement axes that are not perpendicular to the virtual axis along which the spherical lenses are aligned. The antenna  600  is almost identical to the antenna  500 . The antenna  600  has an array of spherical lens (including spherical lenses  605  and  610 ) that is aligned along an axis  615 . Although the antenna  600  in this example is shown to include only two spherical lenses in the array of spherical lenses, it has been contemplated that the antenna  600  can include more spherical lenses that are aligned along the axis  615  as desired. 
     Each spherical lens also includes an RF element arrangement axis that is parallel to one another. In this example, the spherical lens  605  has an RF element arrangement axis  640  and the spherical lens  610  has an RF element arrangement axis  645 . As shown, the RF element arrangement axes  640  and  645  are not perpendicular to the virtual axis  615 . By having the RF element arrangement axes in different orientations, the antenna  600  can be adjusted to cover different geographical areas (closer to the antenna, farther away from the antenna, etc.). 
     As shown, each spherical lens in the array has associated RF elements. In this example, the spherical lens  605  has two associated RF elements  620  and  625 , and the spherical lens  610  has two associated RF elements  630  and  635 . The RF elements associated with each spherical lens are placed along the surface of the spherical lens, on different sides of the RF element arrangement axis. As shown, the RF element  620  is placed on top of (on one side of) the RF element arrangement axis  640  and the RF element  625  is placed on the bottom of (on the other side of) the RF element arrangement axis  640 . Similarly, the RF element  630  is placed on top of (on one side of) the RF element arrangement axis  645  and the RF element  625  is placed on the bottom of (on the other side of) the RF element arrangement axis  645 . 
     The antenna  600  also includes control mechanisms  650  and  655  for coordinating groups of RF elements. The control mechanisms  650  and  655  are configured to pair opposite RF elements that are associated with different spherical lens (i.e., pairing RF elements that are on opposite sides of the RF element arrangement axis). Thus, the control mechanism  650  is communicatively coupled with the RF element  620  (which is placed on top of the RF element arrangement axis  640 ) and the RF element  635  (which is placed on the bottom of the RF element arrangement axis  645 ) to coordinate the RF elements  620  and  635  to provide signal coverage of substantially the same area. Similarly, the control mechanism  655  is communicatively coupled with the RF element  625  (which is placed on the bottom of the RF element arrangement axis  640 ) and the RF element  630  (which is placed on top of the RF element arrangement axis  645 ) to coordinate the RF elements  625  and  630  to provide signal coverage of substantially the same area. In exemplary embodiments, the control mechanisms  650  and  655  also include phase shifters configured to modify the phase of the signals being outputted by their associated RF elements. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate an antenna similar to  FIG. 6  and output areas associated with the antenna array  700 , respectively. The array  700  has multiple lenses (including spherical lenses  701  and  702 ). Although array  700  in this example is shown to include only two spherical lenses in the array of lenses, it is contemplated that array  700  can include three or more lenses. 
     Each of the lenses include at least two RF elements, and two sub-controllers. In this example, the lens  701  has RF elements  720  and  721 , and lens  702  has RF elements  722  and  723 . Each RF element has a sub-controller configured for phase shifting an output beam produced by the RF element. As shown, RF element  720  is coupled to sub-controller  730 , RF element  721  is coupled to sub-controller  731 , RF element  722  is coupled to sub-controller  732 , and RF element  723  is coupled to sub-controller  733 . Further, lens array  701  has two groupings of associated RF elements  720  and  722 , and  721  and  723 . 
     Each RF element generates an output beam, which is adjusted by its associated sub-controller, to produce an output area. In this example, the RF element  720  produce an output area  751 , and the RF element  721  produce an output area  752 . In another embodiment, RF element the RF element  722  produces an output area  751 , and the RF element  723  produces an output area  752 . In a preferred embodiment, Controller  740  can command the sub-controllers  730  and  732  to phase shift RF elements  720  and  722 , respectively, to create an overlapped beam via constructive interference. In a related embodiment, controller  740  can command the RF elements  720  and  722  to produce or cease production of their respective output beams based on the movement of a target. The overlapped beam from RF elements  720  and  722  produces output area  760 . As shown in output area grouping  750 , output area  760  is narrower than output area  751 , and can be phase shifted to move about within output area  751 . Controller  740  can command the sub-controllers  731  and  733  to phase shift RF elements  721  and  723 , respectively, to create an overlapped beam via constructive interference. The overlapped beam from RF elements  721  and  723  produces output area  761 . As shown in  FIG. 7B , output area  761  is narrower than output area  752 , and can be phase shifted to move about within output area  752 . The overlapped beams may operate simultaneously. The first and second overlapped may shift in concert or independently. 
     In certain configurations, lens  701  is collinear or non-collinear with lens  702 . Additional antennas may be arranged in rows, coupled to antennas  701  and  702 . Antenna rows may be parallel or non-parallel. In other configurations, rows of antennas may be closely packed. A “closely packed” lens arrangement may be embodied by at least two rows of lenses, clustered together such that a lens is diagonally situated from at least one other lens in the other lens row. 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates an embodiment of the “closely packed” antenna arrangement. Antenna array  800  is similar to antenna array  700 , except with additional antennas and RF elements. The array  800  has multiple lenses (including spherical lenses  701 ,  702 ,  801 , and  802 ). 
     Each of the lenses include at least four RF elements, and four sub-controllers. Lens  701  has RF elements  720 ,  721 ,  816 , and  817 . Lens  702  has RF elements  722 ,  723 ,  814 , and  815 . Lens  801  has RF elements  810 ,  811 ,  812 , and  813 . Lens  802  has RF elements  818 ,  819 ,  820 , and  821 . 
     Each RF element generates an output beam, which can be adjusted by its associated sub-controller, to produce an output area. In preferred embodiments, each RF element has a sub-controller configured such that when two beams from individual RF elements are combined, the relative phase generated by the two sub-controllers can move the position of the resulting output area within the contour of the larger output area. In  FIG. 8B , the RF element  816  produces an output area  831 , the RF element  817  produces an output area  832 , the RF element  721  produces an output area  751 , the RF element  720  produces output area  752 . 
     In other embodiments, the RF element  812 ,  814 , or  820  produces an output area  831 , and the RF element  813 ,  815 , or  821  produces an output area  832 , the RF element  810 ,  723 , or  818  produce an output area  751 , the RF element  811 ,  722 , or  819  produce output area  752 . As shown in output area grouping  830 , the output beams from RF elements  720 ,  722 , and  819  are phase shifted to create an overlapped beam via constructive interference. 
     The overlapped beam from RF elements  721 ,  723 , and  810  produces output area  850 . RF elements  721 ,  723 , and  810  can be phase shifted to track output area  850  from point A to point B. Output area  850  could be further narrowed via an additional output beam from RF element  818 . Tracking output area  850  from point A to point B could be made in anticipation of a known target requiring coverage entering the output area  850 . 
     An output area has a non-assigned state, where the output area is made as narrow or wide as necessary to provide coverage to any targets that may enter the output area. The output beams from RF elements  816  and  812  are phase shifted to create an overlapped beam via constructive interference. The overlapped beam from RF elements  816  and  812  produces output area  851 . Output area  851  can be further narrowed including the output beams of at least one of RF elements  814  and  820  into the overlapped beam of RF elements  816  and  812 . 
     An output area can also track a target. In this embodiment, output area  761  provides coverage to static targets  840  and  841 . Output area  761  can be narrowed to focus on either target  840  or  841  via an overlapped output beam from RF element  811 ,  722 , and  819 . In other embodiments, an output area  852  tracks a dynamic target  842  (e.g. a satellite) across an area of sky to point C. The output beams from RF elements  817 ,  813 ,  821 , and  815  are phase shifted to create an overlapped beam via constructive interference. This overlapped beam produces output area  852 . Output area  852  is further phase shifted to track and provide coverage to target  842 . 
     An output area provides an area of signal coverage in at least a portion of the sky or outer space. The dimensions of an output area can be user-inputted or autonomously generated via controller  740 . Each output area can be static or dynamic. Dynamic output areas can change according to variables, such as time or environmental conditions. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment of the “closely packed” antenna arrangement. Antenna arrangement  900  is similar to antenna array  800 , except the antenna arrangement  900  is configured for discriminating targets via phase shifters to place output beams in specific locations, rather than real time beam movement with targets. This approach is more amenable for tracking multiple targets simultaneously. The array  900  has multiple lenses (including spherical lenses  905 ,  920 , and  925 ). Although antenna arrangement  900  in this example is shown to include only three spherical lenses, it is contemplated that antenna arrangement  900  can include four or more lenses. In a preferred embodiment, at least a first lens is positioned to provide coverage for an area of sky different from the area of sky serviced by a second, different lens. In exemplary embodiments, the lenses of antenna arrangement  900  are spherical. In alternative embodiments, at least one of the lenses of antenna arrangement  900  is non-spherical. 
     Each of the lenses includes at least four RF elements, one sub-controller, and one receiver. Lens  905  has RF elements  906 ,  907 ,  908 , and  909 . Lens  920  has RF elements  921 ,  922 ,  923 , and  924 . Lens  925  has RF elements  926 ,  927 ,  928 , and  929 . Each lens has a sub-controller configured for combining a first output beam produced by first RF element with a second output beam produced by a second RF element. As shown, lens  905  is coupled to sub-controller  910 , lens  925  is coupled to sub-controller  911 , and lens  920  is coupled to sub-controller  912 . 
     An output area can have a fixed position, where the output area is directed toward a single area of sky to provide coverage to any targets that may enter the output area. The output beam from RF element  907  is activated to create output area  940  to provide coverage for dynamic target  941  (e.g. a satellite) within output area  940 . The footprint of output area  940  is depicted as a circle. An output area can also track a target in between the output areas (e.g. circular footprints) generated via any single RF element. In an exemplary embodiment, RF elements  926  and  927  are activated to create combined output area  943  in order to track dynamic target  944  across an area of sky from point C in output area  945  to point D in output area  942 . The output beams from RF elements  926  and  927  are combined to create a combined output area via constructive interference. The output beam from RF element  926  is activated to create output area  945 , and output beam from RF element  927  is activated to create output area  942 . Advantageously, a combined output area facilitates the smooth transition for tracking a satellite from the output area of a one RF element to another output area of another, different RF element. 
     In a related embodiment, RF elements  921 ,  922 , and  923  are activated to create combined output area  948  in order to track dynamic target  949  as it travels in the gap between output area  946 , output area  947 , and output area  950 . The output beams from RF elements  921 ,  922 , and  923  are combined to create a combined output area via constructive interference. The output beam from RF element  923  is activated to create output area  946 , the output beam from RF element  921  is activated to create output area  947 , and the output beam from RF element  922  is activated to create output area  950 . 
     In certain configurations, RF elements may be arranged in rows and columns, coupled to their respective lenses. RF element rows may be parallel or non-parallel. In other configurations, rows of RF elements may be closely packed. A “closely packed” RF element arrangement may be embodied by at least two rows of RF elements, clustered together such that an RF element is diagonally situated from at least one other RF element in the other RF element row. Spacing between RF elements is configured to be a dense arrangement so as to minimize gain loss in gaps between output beams. 
     Each dynamic target (of the dynamic targets tracked by RF elements associated with antenna arrangement  900 ) is assigned (or alternatively, communicatively coupled with) a receiver for communication with the dynamic target. In a preferred embodiment, controller  930  is configured for assigning a receiver to a target. Controller  930  may also reassign receivers and RF elements as a target is tracked across an output area. In exemplary embodiments, dynamic target  941  is assigned to receiver  931 , dynamic target  944  is assigned to receiver  932 , and dynamic target  949  is assigned to receiver  933 . In exemplary embodiments, each dynamic target is assigned a single receiver. In alternative embodiments, two or more targets may be assigned to a single receiver, where the controller  930  will direct the single receiver to rapidly switch coverage between the plurality of targets. Each receiver is configured to receive from a target. In exemplary embodiments, each target is assigned a receiver. In addition, the RF elements of antenna arrangement  900  are configured to receive/detect incoming signals that have been focused by their associated lenses. 
     As shown, the lenses of antenna arrangement  900  are aligned along a virtual plane. In some embodiments, the virtual plane is parallel to the ground on top of which the antenna arrangement  900  is disposed.  FIG. 9  shows an isometric projection of antenna arrangement  900 , which depicts the array disposed above the ground. In preferred embodiments, the controller, sub-controllers, and receivers are disposed between the lenses and the ground. In alternative embodiments, at least one of the controller, sub-controllers, and receivers is aligned along the same virtual plane as the lenses of antenna arrangement  900 . In yet another embodiment, at least one of the controller, sub-controllers, and receivers is aligned along a virtual plane different from that virtual plane along which the lenses of antenna arrangement  900  are aligned. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates the inventive concept for a three beam, three lens staggered array. The lenses and elements feeding the array  1000  are arranged along their virtual axis&#39; with the exception of a 30 mm stagger horizontally from the virtual axis of one lens to the virtual axis of a different lens. In an exemplary embodiment, there are a total of nine dual polarized elements for a total of 18 antenna ports, each with a column of three elements for a given polarization arrayed using a 1:3 phase shifter, so the array  1000  has three dual polarized beams. Antenna array  1000  is similar to antenna system  100 , and includes an additional spherical lens  1010 , which along with lens  1001  and  1005 , are each aligned along a different virtual axis in a three-dimensional space. The array  1000  has multiple lenses (including spherical lenses  1001 ,  1005 , and  1010 ). Each of the lenses includes at least one RF element. Lens  1001  has RF element  1002 . Lens  1005  has RF element  1006 . Lens  1010  has RF element  1011 . 
     In other embodiments, a second column of lenses and elements can be used to achieve 4×4 MIMO. In a preferred embodiment, the output beams of array  100  have their azimuth on the horizon. In a related embodiment, the output beams of array  100  are down-tilted beams, such that each RF element is rotated about the lens center to position the beams to coincide with the desired down tilt. 
     The lenses of array  1000  can be any shape and any combination of single or multiple dielectric constant layers. Lens based antenna arrays have the advantage of negligible grating lobes for array spacings (e.g. the spacing between lenses), which are larger than certain other traditional antennas due to the much narrower pattern from the individual lenses. This lens spacing allows the positions of the lens to be varied to reduce the azimuth SLL, as depicted by  FIG. 10 . In a preferred embodiment, the array  1000  has an Azimuth SLL ranging from 25-30 dB, which approximately correlates to a 12-15 dB improvement in the Azimuth SLL of a Butler Matrix based antenna. 
       FIGS. 11A-11C  provide three perspectives of array  1000 : top ( 11 A), front ( 11 B), and side ( 11 C). In a preferred embodiment, the virtual axis&#39; ( 1008  and  1013 ) through lens  1005  and lens  1010  are offset from the virtual axis  1004  of lens  1001  by 30 mm. In a related embodiment, the lens  1005  has a virtual axis  1008  located 30 mm left from virtual axis  1004 , and the lens  1010  has a virtual axis  1013  located 30 mm right from virtual axis  1004 . In some embodiments, there is separation of 25 mm between the boresight virtual axis  1003  of lens  1001  and the boresight virtual axis  1007  of lens  1005 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an embodiment of array  1000 . The largest side lobes for the center output beam in the azimuth plane occur at approximately +/−40 degrees from the boresight virtual axis&#39; ( 1007 ,  1003 , and  1012 ), and are depicted by arrows for simplicity. The staggered spacing of the lenses is a function of the distance between at least two of the virtual axis&#39;  1007 ,  1003 , and  1012 , and can be calculated by vector addition. In a preferred embodiment, lens  1001  is fed an amplitude equivalent to 1 volt, while lenses  1005  and  1010  are each fed amplitudes equivalent to 0.7 volts. In some embodiments, lenses  1005  and  1010  operate at half power, such that together they equal the power of lens  1001 . In preferred embodiments, the stagger modifies the relative phase between the lenses  1001 ,  1005 , and  1010  to create destructive interference and reduce the side lobes (SLL) in the +/−40 degree directions. 
     In a related embodiment, additional phase compensation is utilized to produce a similar reduction in side lobes for the output beams positioned at +/−40 degrees. In some embodiments, the RF elements producing the side beams will be phase delayed or phase progressed to bring the array of lenses into a coherent phase front in the direction of the beam peak (i.e. +/−40 degrees). In a related embodiment, the vertical patterns are used for an output beam directed along a virtual axis, and the introduced stagger has negligible impact on the elevation pattern. 
     In a preferred embodiment, azimuth patterns for three beams are configured for co-pol and x-pol at a 45 degree slant polarization, with the side lobes reduced to approximately 26 dB, which provides a 14 dB improvement compared to FIG. 6 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,311,582 to Trigui et. al. The 10 dB beam width level ranges from 42 to 45 degrees over the 3.7 to 4.0 GHz band, consistent with around an 8 dB cross over level between the output beams spaced 40 degrees apart. 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrate another embodiment of the array  1000 , and include an additional spherical lens  1030 , which along with lenses  1001 ,  1005  and  1010 , are each aligned along a different virtual axis in a three-dimensional space. As each of the lenses includes at least one RF element, lens  1030  has RF element  1031 . Advantageously, this configuration of array  100  has a mechanically balanced structure which includes the added benefits of less complicated construction, and a doubling of the azimuth side lobe level reduction provided by a first lens to a second lens located above or below the first lens. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a three beam, three lens staggered array  1400  with material blocks. Advantageously, outer beam side lobes (SLL) that occur at roughly +/−90 degrees from the peak of an output beam produced by RF element  1406  are reduced by the coupling of certain lenses to material blocks in array  1400 . In a preferred embodiment, material block  1407  is positioned such that a side lobe of an output beam produced by RF element  1406  can travel along an edge of material block  1407 . Advantageously, this has the effect of reducing the azimuth SLL in the direction of the output beam produced by RF element  1406 , and a reducing the impact on the pattern performance of array  1400 . In some embodiments, material block  1407  comprises a dielectric material with permittivity 2.5, a thickness of 30 mm, a height of 150 mm, and a depth of 110 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the phase delay generated by material block  1407  to reduce the azimuth SLL of the output beam produced by RF element  1406  is a function of the dielectric permittivity and thickness of material block  1407 . In some embodiments, material block  1407  is positioned with lens  1405  and lens  1410 . In related embodiments, material block  1407  is positioned 30 mm from the surface of lens  1405 . Material blocks  1407  and  1411  can comprise a dielectric of isotropic or anisotropic material. Antenna array  1400  is similar to antenna system  1000 , and includes material blocks  1407  and  1411 , which are aligned with lenses  1405  and  1410 , respectively. The array  1400  has multiple lenses (including spherical lenses  1401 ,  1405 , and  1410 ). Each of the lenses includes at least one RF element. Lens  1401  has RF element  1402 . Lens  1405  has RF element  1406 . Lens  1410  has RF element  1412 , which is not shown for simplicity. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an antenna similar to  FIG. 7A  and output areas associated with the antenna array  700 , except each lens has a single radiating element. The antenna array  1500  has multiple lenses (including spherical lenses  1505  and  1510 ). Although array  1500  in this example is shown to include only two spherical lenses in the array of lenses, it is contemplated that array  1500  can include three or more lenses. 
     Each of the lenses include at least one RF element, and at least one sub-controller. In this example, the lens  1505  has RF element  1506 , and lens  1510  has RF element  1511 . Each RF element has a sub-controller configured for the phase of output beam produced by the RF element. As shown, RF element  1506  is coupled to sub-controller  1507 , and RF element  1511  is coupled to sub-controller  1512 . 
     Each RF element generates an output beam In this example, the RF element  1506  produces an output area  1508 , and the RF element  1511  produces an output area  1513 . In a preferred embodiment, controller  1515  can command the sub-controllers  1507  and  1512  to adjust the phase of the output beams produced by RF elements  1506  and  1511 , respectively, to create an overlapped beam. In a related embodiment, controller  1515  can command the RF elements  1506  and  1511  to produce or cease production of their respective output beams based on the movement of a target. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates another embodiment of the antenna arrangement of  FIG. 15 . Antenna arrangement  1600  is similar to antenna array  900 , except the antenna arrangement  1600  is configured for tracking of dynamic targets via beam switching, rather than beam combination. The array  1600  has multiple lenses (including spherical lenses  1505 ,  1510 ,  1610 ,  1612 ,  1615 ,  1617 , and  1619 ). Although antenna arrangement  1600  in this example is shown to include only seven spherical lenses, it is contemplated that antenna arrangement  1600  can include eight or more lenses. In a preferred embodiment, at least a first lens is positioned to provide coverage for an area of sky different from the area of sky serviced by a second, different lens. In exemplary embodiments, the lenses of antenna arrangement  1600  are spherical. In alternative embodiments, at least one of the lenses of antenna arrangement  1600  is non-spherical. 
     Each of the lenses includes at least one RF element, and one sub-controller. Lens  1505  has RF element  1506 , lens  1510  has RF element  1511 , lens  1610  has RF element  1611 , lens  1612  has RF element  1614 , lens  1615  has RF element  1616 , lens  1617  has RF element  1618 , and lens  1619  has RF element  1620 . Each lens has a sub-controller configured for combining a first output beam produced by first RF element with a second output beam produced by a second RF element to produce a first overlapped beam as a function of the phases of each output beam. 
     An output area can have a fixed position, where the output area is directed toward a single area of sky to provide coverage to any targets that may enter the output area. In a preferred embodiment, the output beam from RF element  1506  is activated to create output area  1601 . As lens  1505  is spherical, the footprint of output area  1601  is depicted as a circle. In an exemplary embodiment, RF elements  1506 ,  1511 ,  1611 ,  1614 ,  1616 ,  1618 , and  1620  produce output area  1601 . By combining using different relative phase, that is achieved by combining fixed lengths of transmission line, output areas  1508 ,  1606 ,  1513 ,  1604 ,  1603 ,  1602 ,  1605  are produced. Advantageously, a configuration of multiple output areas facilitates the smooth transition for tracking a satellite from one output area to another. For illustration purposes only the output areas can be thought of as representing the 10 dB three dimensional pattern power contour plot. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, lens  1506  is a a 500 mm diameter spherical lens, operating at 8 GHz, where the 10 dB beam width contour from lens  1506  will have approximately a 2.5 degree beam width. In a related embodiment, the output areas  1508 ,  1513 ,  1602 ,  1603 ,  1604 ,  1605 , and  1606 , all are configured for 10 dB output beam contours with approximately ⅓ the beam width of the output beam for output area  1601  (e.g. 0.8 degrees). In a preferred embodiment, the position of each output area is determined by the relative phase between the seven lenses in the array  1600 . In certain embodiments, the relative phase between RF elements is typically provided by the sub-controller via a power divider network. The concept of creating a set of 7 output areas, each having beam widths approximately ⅓ of the beam width of each individual lens can be scaled to create even smaller output areas for more precise tracking. As an example, the output area  1513 , which itself is created by a specific set of combining output areas from lenses  1505 ,  1511 ,  1611 ,  1614 ,  1616 ,  1618 , and  1620 , can be created by combining output areas from 6 other clusters of lenses (not shown). 
     In some embodiments, the array  1600  is configured as a receive only array. In another embodiment, array  1600  is a transmit and receive (TX/RX) system, where sub-controller that diplexes the transmit signal from the controller receives such the receive signal, amplifies the receive signal by an LNA and the transmit signal by a power amplifier, then recombines the signals to produce a single output beam for transmission and reception. 
     There are a number of lens configurations for combining RF signals from a seven lens cluster to form the output areas of array  1600 . In a preferred embodiment, multiple dual polarized RF elements are tightly packed near the surface of a lens, where the lens is typically spherical in shape. Advantageously, this approach provides the ability to cover a large portion of the sky with a single set of lenses, each lens surrounded by numerous RF elements. 
     It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.