Design, optimization and manufacture modelling of reflector-based higy-performance antenna systems

Abstract

This work deals with the creation of two parabolic reflector systems, one single offset reflector centered at 275 GHz and one dual Cassegrain reflector at 340 GHz. Based on a set of initial specifications, both systems are electrically designed using a combination of specialized software programs (including HFSS, μWave Wizard and GRASP), after which the manufacturing models are created taking the pertinent precautions into account. Once the manufactured models are received (machined by a third party), they are measured in Near-Field to verify their correct operation, using transformation techniques (with custom MATLAB scripts) to compute their Far-Field performances and compare them to the simulated design results. To understand the operation of these types of systems, a theoretical overview of parabolic reflector antennas is presented, as well as conclusions about the finished systems and possible investigative lines and advancements to pursue in the future.