Abstract
In this paper, we summarize the issues that should be considered when designing broadband quasioptical systems for submillimetre-wave radioastronomy receivers. We cover topics such as bandwidth, cross-talk, truncation, and aberrations, and we argue that it should be possible to manufacture high-efficiency systems that have several octaves of bandwidth. A key feature of the paper is that we use the language of multimode Gaussian optics throughout, and in this way, we emphasize that a receiver is a diffraction-limited imaging system rather than just a collection of components for guiding Gaussian beams. The whole discussion is conducted in terms of a particular system we are constructing for the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope in Hawaii.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
J.M. Payne, “Millimetre and submillimetre wavelength radio astronomy,” Proc. IEEE, vol.77, pp. 993–1017, July 1989.
A.R. Kerr and S.-K. Pan, “Some recent developments in the design of SIS mixers,” Int. J. Infrared Millimeter Waves, vol. 11, pp. 1169–1187, Oct. 1990.
A.G. Murray, A.M. Flett, G. Murray, and P.A.R. Ade, “High efficiency half-wave plates for submillimetre polarimetry,” Infrared Physics, vol. 33, pp. 113–125, 1992.
J.B. Shapiro and E.E. Bloemhof, “Fabrication of wire-grid polarizers and dependence of submillimeter-wave optical performance on pitch uniformity,” Int. J. Infrared Millimeter Waves, vol. 11, pp. 973–980, Aug. 1990.
R. Padman, J.A. Murphy, and R. E. Hills, “Gaussian mode analysis of Cassegrain antenna efficiency,” IEEE Trans. Antennas Propagat. vol. AP-35, pp. 1093–1103, Oct. 1987.
S. Withington and J.A. Murphy, “Analysis of diagonal horns through Gaussian-Hermite modes,” IEEE Trans. Antennas Propagat., vol. AP-40, pp. 198–206, 1992.
J.A. Murphy, A. Egan, and S. Withington, “Truncation in beam waveguides”, To be published.
P.F. Goldsmith, “Quasioptical techniques at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths,” in Infrared and Millimeter Waves, vol. 6. New York: Academic, pp. 277–343, 1982.
J.A. Murphy, “Distortion of a simple Gaussian beam on reflection from off-axis ellipsoidal mirrors,” Int. J. Infrared Millimeter Waves, vol. 8, pp. 1165–1187, 1987.
M. Born and E. Wolf, “Principles of optics,” Pergamon, Oxford, 1980.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Withington, S., Murphy, J.A., Egan, A. et al. On the design of broadband quasioptical systems for submillimeter-wave radio-astronomy receivers. Int J Infrared Milli Waves 13, 1515–1537 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01009233
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01009233