Title :
Coma correction of a wobbling subreflector
Author :
Greve, A. ; LeFloch, B. ; Peñalver, J.
Author_Institution :
Inst. de Radio Astronomie Millimetrique, Domaine Univ., France
fDate :
12/1/1996 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
Radio astronomical observations at millimeter wavelengths with Cassegrain telescopes often use on-source/off-source measurements with a wobbling subreflector to eliminate the influence of the Earth´s atmosphere. The tilt of the subreflector produces the required beam throw, but also a coma-like wavefront deformation noticeable as a degradation of the beam pattern and a reduction of the main beam power. We demonstrate, with measurements made with the IRAM 30-m telescope at 1.3 mm wavelength (230 GHz) of the quasi-point-like source Mars and the extended source Saturn, that it is possible to eliminate (to a large extent) this wavefront deformation when using a near-focus corrector, on the 30-m telescope conveniently located on the co-rotating Nasmyth mirror
Keywords :
aberrations; antenna radiation patterns; millimetre wave antennas; radioastronomical techniques; radiotelescopes; reflector antennas; 1.3 mm; 15 m; 230 GHz; Cassegrain telescopes; EHF; Earth´s atmosphere; IRAM 30-m telescope; Mars; Saturn; beam pattern; beam throw; coma correction; coma like wavefront deformation; corotating Nasmyth mirror; extended source; main beam power reduction; millimeter wavelengths; near focus corrector; on-source/off-source measurements; quasipoint-like source; radio astronomical observations; wavefront deformation; wavelength; wobbling subreflector; Atmospheric measurements; Degradation; Extraterrestrial measurements; Mars; Millimeter wave measurements; Mirrors; Saturn; Telescopes; Terrestrial atmosphere; Wavelength measurement;
Journal_Title :
Antennas and Propagation, IEEE Transactions on