Title :
A new configuration of polarization-rotating dual-beam interferometer for space use
Author :
Manabe, Takeshi ; Inatani, Junji ; Murk, Axel ; Wylde, Richard J. ; Seta, Masumichi ; Martin, Derek H.
Author_Institution :
Commun. Res. Lab., Tokyo, Japan
fDate :
6/1/2003 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
This paper presents a new configuration of quasi-optical polarization-rotating dual-beam interferometer, which uses a pair of frequency-selective polarizers (FSPs) consisting of a wire-grid placed in front of a flat mirror, and has a function similar to the conventional Martin-Puplett interferometer (MPI). Advantages of this new configuration over the conventional MPI are lower residual reflection at the input and output ports and suitability to fixed-tuned applications. An experiment has shown it to have an MPI-like frequency characteristic as calculated. Careful machining was successful in achieving accuracy needed for a specified filter characteristic. This FSP-based quasi-optical device is to be used as a sideband separator in a space-borne submillimeter receiver for atmospheric research.
Keywords :
aerospace instrumentation; atmospheric measuring apparatus; electromagnetic wave polarisation; radiotelescopes; radiowave interferometers; submillimetre wave filters; submillimetre wave receivers; 640 GHz; THF; atmospheric research; filter characteristic; fixed-tuned applications; flat mirror; frequency characteristic; frequency-selective polarizers; input ports; output ports; polarization-rotating dual-beam interferometer; quasi-optical device; radioastronomy; residual reflection reduction; sideband separators; space use; space-borne submillimeter receiver; wire-grid; Frequency; Optical interferometry; Optical polarization; Optical receivers; Optical reflection; Optical sensors; Physics; Radio interferometry; Submillimeter wave filters; Wire;
Journal_Title :
Microwave Theory and Techniques, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TMTT.2003.812567
