Speaker
Description
In this research contract, we developed a number of different electromagnetic simulation tools targeting the development of focal plane detectors for future submillimetre astronomy and Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) polarisation missions. We developed new technology solutions for the horn antenna feeds and detector coupling structures that can meet the technical requirements of the next generation of long-wavelength space missions building on the heritage and success of the Planck and Herschel Space Observatory missions.
Based on modematching code techniques we have developed a number of modelling tools
which incorporate coupling to free-space, lossy waveguides and numerous geometries that
were previously difficult to model accurately. Many currently commercially available EM analysis software tools cannot be applied to large volume multimoded waveguide structures due to the computationally intensive nature of the problem. Usually each mode is analysed separately and this leads to many parallel simulations. Modematching allows all modes to be analysed simultaneously and so leads to a naturally computationally efficient approach. As we develop the code all required parameters can be extracted as desired. We conducted THz measurements with out collaborating partners in SRON Groningen measuring the optical response of a waveguide structure feed with a blackbody aperture source and also modelled a multimoded optical system composing of an Offner optical relay configuration.
To supplement the modelling and simulation tool development we completed a number of
experimental verifications using our W Band Nearfield Scanning Facility based on a vector network analyser. We also describe a number of developed system innovations to ensure highly precise and repeatable high frequency antenna field pattern measurements (precise calibration model and modelling multiple reflections or standing waves). In parallel, we started to develop W Band planar antennas to be used with lenslets in an array and investigated geometries that minimised crosstalk between focal plane pixels.
| ESA Technical Officer | Dr Maarten van der Vorst |
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