Effect of layer offsets on dichroic radomes

In order to obtain high performance a dichroic screen often consists of several identical layers of periodic metallic sheets that are put together separated by dielectric spacers. Sometimes these sheets may not be aligned relative to each other over parts of the screen due to manufacturing tolerances. In particular this may happen in curved screens. Such sheet offsets have influence on the dichroic characteristics. The authors study, experimentally and theoretically, how and when this offset effects the characteristic of the radome and has to be taken into account. The offsetting is often an undesired tolerance effect, but it can also be used constructively to fine-tune the dichroic performance.