This paper presents a distributed radar system architecture designed for sensing applications above 100GHz. The proposed radar system leverages high-gain lens arrays to generate extremely narrow beams, enabling high angular resolution. A hybrid beamforming approach is proposed in both the transmitter and receiver arrays, allowing for continuous scanning across a moderate field of view. Additionally, an ideal estimation of radar range is conducted assuming a simplified radar equation for this architecture, showing its potential to detect targets at very long distances.

In this work, we investigate antenna architectures to implement dual-mode operation in phased array designs. Planar slot antenna elements are used in array configuration, in combination with artificial dielectrics layers (ADLs) located in the close proximity of the array, to achieve pattern shaping. The artificial dielectric superstrate supports the propagation of leaky waves that can be optimized to enhance the gain in a specific angular region or to enlarge the array field of view. By controlling the amplitude and phase of the antenna elements, the radiation patterns can be combined to realize either wide or narrow beams. This concept present advantages for both millimeter-wave (mm-wave) communication and radar applications. A design of a four-element array fabricated in standard printed circuit board (PCB) technology validates the feasibility of the dual-mode operation. The measured results also show good agreement with simulations.