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.