A reconformable reflector for a sub-mm wave reflector antenna

Results are presented of investigations with a laboratory model of a reconformable reflector for mm and sub-mm applications. A configuration with 19 actuators to control the surface has been realised. Several configuration shapes have been evaluated to prove the concept, using an accurate 3D measurement machine by Media Lario. With a reconformable reflector as sub-reflector one can alleviate requirements for a main reflector in a dual reflector system, which otherwise would be very challenging and expensive for sub-mm applications. This is of interest for instance for radiometers, sounders or ground-based radio-telescopes. The technological implementation here makes use of an electroformed nickel shell that allows a deformation as needed at sub-MM wavelength. The subject has been reported previously but without realised results. Here we present the latest status, which confirms this interesting and promising approach.