Polarization selective reflectors for spacecraft applications

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Polarization selective reflectors for spacecraft applications

Gregorwich, W.S.

The design and development of a K-band polarization selective reflector (PRS) system are discussed. Waveguide simulator measurements showed close agreement with parallel wire theory. The radiation pattern measurements of PSR demonstrated almost complete reflection in one polarization with excellent cross-polarization isolation. An offset reflector configuration was chosen for the investigation because it is a compact versatile design for spacecraft applications. Transmissivity tests demonstrated that there is no significant change in the principal polarization patterns of the solid reflector with the PSR placed in front of the solid. The cross-polarization level is lower with the PSR in place. The measurements also demonstrated that the waveguide simulator is an essential tool in the design of grid reflectors. The excellent correlation between measured and calculated performance of reflected energy from parallel wires indicates that an experiment is not necessary to determine the electric field (E-field) parallel to the wires. However, for transmission through the grid, the inexpensive waveguide simulator is indispensable for predicting transmission at various angles for an E-field perpendicular to the grid.