GAUSSIAN SEAM-MODE CIRCUITS FOR, MILLIMETRE WAVELENGTHS

Abstract

Although the Maxwell equations govern the propagation of EM waves at all frequencies, the methods required to generate, direct, analyse and detect radiation differ from band to band. This thesis is concerned with the development and demonstration of 'Quasi-optical' techniques for millimetre wavelengths, which involve the propagation of Gaussian profiled beams a few wavelengths across, and the realization of a general circuit approach to mm-wave measurement. Gaussian beam-mode analysis, which is used in later chapters to understand propagation of quasi-optical beams, is reviewed in chapter 1. Chapter 2 outlines the design, manufacture and testing of corrugated feed horns which generate fundamental Gaussian beam-modes. The design and manufacture of lenses which control the spreading of the beams and directional couplers which provide desirable signal processing functions in quasi-optical circuits is discussed in chapter 3. Chapter 4 traces the development of a Faraday isolator which operates in free-space and can suppress unwanted reflections in quasi-optical circuits. Chapter 5 discusses a reusable circuit board upon which systems can be easily and quickly constructed. A null reflectometer built using quasi-optical components is outlined in chapter 6 and reflection measurements from lenses and horns presented. Chapter 7 describes a corrugated feed horn/lens antenna used in a balloon-borne nw-wave cosmic background experiment. Finally, Chapter 8 demonstrates the use of quasi-optical components in a 115 GHz receiver circuit.