High Reflective Surfaces for Millimeter RF Waves, Phase A

摘要

The identification, application, and testing of processes and techniques for metallizing CFRP antenna reflectors for a spaceborne 100 to 300 GHz radiometer, 2 m diameter, are described. Final selection must be between electrolytic and sputtered applications, after analyzing metallization compatibility with the antenna fabrication process. Reflecting surface environmental response must be improved. Metallic layer properties must be correlated with the metallization process parameters. For the electrical test set-up, accuracy range of 0.002 dB is difficult to reduce up to 0.001 dB required. Development effort involved suggests the convenience of reviewing accuracy requirements after analyzing impact of the quoted value over radiometer system performances. Demonstration of the measurement technique over flat samples at 142 GHz reveals the possible existence of error sources previously unaccounted for.