Candotti, Massimo and Baryshev, A. and Trappe, Neil (2009) Quasi-optical assessment of the ALMA band 9 front-end. Infrared Physics & Technology, 52 (5). pp. 174-179. ISSN 1350-4495

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Abstract

The ALMA band 9 (600–720 GHz) receiver is a dual channel heterodyne system which is capable of detecting orthogonally polarised signals utilising a wire grid beam splitter. Two Superconductor–Insulator–Superconductor (SIS) mixers mounted behind hybrid mode corrugated horns are coupled to the 12 m Cassegrain antenna via a wavelength independent configuration of two off-axis elliptical mirrors. We outline an approach involving accurate physical optics simulations in conjunction with precise experimental measurements of the complete optical front-end which guarantees the highest performances. This practical verification approach can be generalised to all quasi-optical receivers to validate system performance. In this paper, we verify the optical design and estimate antenna system efficiency. Comparison between measurement and simulation indicates precise information is achievable in estimating system performance allowing potential improvements in ALMA instrument calibration accuracy.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	The authors wish to acknowledge the financial support of a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Frontiers Grant, and the European Community sixth Framework Programme under RadioNet R113CT 2003 5058187 JRA AMSTAR together with the Netherlands Astronomy Research School (NOVA).
Keywords:	Quasi-optical systems; Antenna; Near-field beam pattern measurements; Physical optics simulations;
Academic Unit:	Faculty of Science and Engineering > Experimental Physics
Item ID:	9831
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infrared.2009.07.007
Depositing User:	Dr. Neil Trappe
Date Deposited:	24 Aug 2018 16:41
Journal or Publication Title:	Infrared Physics & Technology
Publisher:	Elsevier
Refereed:	Yes
Funders:	Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), European Union sixth Framework Programme, Netherlands Astronomy Research School (NOVA)
URI:	https://www.sciencedirect.com
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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