MILLIMETER WAVE ANTENNA SYSTEM

摘要

A millimeter wave antenna mounted on a satellite includes a parabolic reflector fabricated of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composite material to enable the parabolic shape of the reflector to be maintained to within three percent of a millimeter wave length despite possible temperature variations on the order of 300 DEG F. between portions of the reflector illuminated by the sun and in the umbra. Waveguides, fabricated from CFRP, for a feed positioned approximately at the focal point of the reflector are the sole mechanical supporting means for the feed. To take advantage of the physical properties of the carbon fiber reinforced plastic composite materials a honeycomb structure is sandwiched between layers of the CFRP. The surface of the reflector illuminated by the feed is coated with a thin film of aluminum which functions as a millimeter wave reflector. The waveguide CFRP interior is coated with a thin film of aluminum to provide the millimeter wave conducting surface.