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Low-cost dichroic mirrors for future Deep Space ground stations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 October 2011

Marco Pasian ,
Maurizio Bozzi  and
Luca Perregrini
Marco Pasian*
Affiliation:
Department of Electronics, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy. Phone: +39 0328 985223.
Maurizio Bozzi
Affiliation:
Department of Electronics, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy. Phone: +39 0328 985223.
Luca Perregrini
Affiliation:
Department of Electronics, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy. Phone: +39 0328 985223.
*
Corresponding author: M. Pasian Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

Future Deep Space (DS) ground stations envisioned by running projects funded by major space agencies are based on arrays of reflector antennas operating in different frequency bands. Therefore, a multi-band feeding system is required for each antenna, and a possible solution foresees the use of dichroic mirrors to separate/combine different beams. This paper presents a low-cost and fast manufacturing process for the fabrication of dichroic mirrors, usually referred to as punching technique or metal stamping. In particular, the specific advantages and limits of this fabrication technique are outlined and discussed, showing both electrical performance and manufacturing accuracy measurements from a test prototype. In addition, a typical scenario for future DS ground stations is described, showing the impact of these low-cost dichroic mirrors on the final ground station performance and cost, compared to the standard approach for dichroic mirror manufacturing based on more expensive and time-consuming technologies (e.g. milling machining).

Keywords

dichroic mirrorsground stationlow-cost manufacturingmetal stamping
Type
Industrial and Engineering Papers
Information
International Journal of Microwave and Wireless Technologies , Volume 3 , Issue 6 , December 2011 , pp. 595 - 600
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and the European Microwave Association 2011

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References

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