Beam Cutter for Antenna Feed Horn Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reflector antenna systems face limitations in sampling closely packed beams due to the size and spacing constraints of feed horns, particularly in radiometry and sub-mm wave applications, where the need for Gaussian-like beams with low sidelobes and the presence of signal processing components like LNAs and mixers restrict the ability to place feed horns closely together.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a beam cutter, a quasi-optical device that splits and redirects the nearfield electromagnetic radiation at the focal region of the antenna system, allowing multiple feed horns to sample beams without the need for moving horns, using reflective blades and lenses to divide and refocus the energy into smaller sections that can be detected by stationary feed horns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If feed horns are made larger to produce Gaussian-like beams with low sidelobes, then beam quality is improved, but the spacing between feed horns must be increased, reducing the ability to sample closely packed beams
Solution Approach 1:
The focal plane is segmented into multiple discrete sampling positions using a stationary array of feed horns. The beam cutter divides the incoming electromagnetic field into multiple sections, each directed to a separate feed horn position, enabling simultaneous sampling of multiple beams without requiring physical movement of the feed horns.
Solution Approach 2:
A beam cutter is introduced as an intermediary device between the antenna and the feed horn array. This beam cutter redirects and divides the electromagnetic field to enable the stationary feed horns to access beam positions that would otherwise require physical movement, thus decoupling the feed horn size from the sampling density constraint.
2Productivity
If feed horns are placed closer together to sample more beams, then data acquisition speed is improved, but signal processing components like LNAs and mixers prevent close placement due to space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the beam sampling function across multiple stationary feed horn positions rather than requiring a single moving feed horn. This segmentation allows the signal processing components to be distributed across multiple fixed locations, simplifying the layout and reducing interference between components while maintaining high data acquisition speed through parallel sampling.
3Device complexity
If a moving feed horn is used to scan beam positions, then device simplicity is improved, but data acquisition time increases and sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the feed horn to sample different beam positions, the system inverts the approach by using a beam cutter to redirect the electromagnetic field to multiple stationary feed horn positions. This inversion eliminates mechanical movement while enabling simultaneous multi-position sampling, dramatically reducing data acquisition time and improving sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical scanning system is replaced with a quasi-optical beam cutter system that uses electromagnetic field manipulation instead of physical movement. The beam cutter redirects energy to multiple stationary feed horn positions, eliminating the need for mechanical motion and enabling parallel data acquisition from multiple beam positions simultaneously.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables the sampling of closely packed beams without the constraints of horn size and spacing, improving data acquisition time and instrument sensitivity by allowing for a stationary array of feed horns, thereby enhancing the efficiency and sensitivity of the antenna system across various frequency ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a beam cutter for splitting the nearfield at the focal region of the system
Implementation Method 2
using reflective blades and lenses to divide and refocus the energy
Implementation Method 3
using reflective blades and lenses to divide and refocus the energy into smaller sections that can be detected by stationary feed horns
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
An apparatus for an antenna system comprising one or more blades for splitting the electromagnetic field received by an antenna into a plurality of sections corresponding to separate beams and redirecting said plurality of sections for detection by a plurality of detectors. The apparatus may comprise a plurality of blades for splitting the field into successively smaller and smaller portions. The plurality of detectors can be positioned outside the focal region of the antenna system. If the dimensions of the detectors are required to be relatively large, the system can then detect more closely packed beams than if the detectors had been positioned in the focal region. The apparatus may further comprise focusing means for focusing the sections of the field onto another blade or a detector. There is also provided an antenna system comprising a plurality of feed horns for producing a plurality of beams; and a plurality of elements for redirecting said beams towards a focal region of the antenna system so as to form a group of closely packed beams for transmission by the antenna system.