Event Details
A K-band Focal Plane Array for Microwave Astronomy Imaging
Presenter: Lisa Locke
Supervisor: Dr. Jens Bornemann, Dr. Stéphane Claude
Date: Thu, April 18, 2013
Time: 09:00:00 - 00:00:00
Place: EOW 430
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
Microwave and millimeter-wave astronomy telescopes with mature low-noise single pixel receivers are being upgraded with focal plane arrays for faster survey speeds at lower manufacturing costs. A wideband focal plane array covering the full K-band (18 - 26.5 GHz) is proposed for use in passive imaging and microwave astronomy. This step in instrumentation requires a low-profile, moderate gain, low sidelobe element to incorporate into a dual-polarized array. The tapered-slot antenna element is an ideal choice for a radiating element of a reflector. A design with antipodal corrugated copper fins on high dielectric substrate with a substrate integrated waveguide feed exhibits very low cross-polarization values, symmetrical half-power beam width in E, H planes and low reflection coefficient. The extent and element spacing of a 5x5 rectangular array is determined by comparing classic and encircled power techniques. A prime focus reflector-feed configuration is considered, and the far-field performance of the single-polarization array including mutual coupling is evaluated by PO/PTD techniques. An amplifier and down-converting mixer for use with an existing L-band receiver back end and beamformer will allow future integration with the 10-m diameter astronomy reflector at the National Research Council's Dominion Radio Astronomy Observatory (DRAO) in Penticton, BC.