Research On Millimeter Wave CATR System Loaded With Infrared Source

Compact Antenna Test Range(CATR)can provide a quasi-plane wave test area with high performance in a short distance by using precise reflector.The far-field electromagnetic environment can be simulated in a small microwave anechoic chamber,and the performance of stealth devices,radar antennas with high performance,satellites,millimeter-wave antennas and millimeter-wave systems can be tested and studied by using conventional far-field testing equipments and methods.At the same time,the network parameters and high-frequency field of microwave circuits and components can be done.An infrared source has the characteristics of high sensitivity,long detection distance,small size and light weight.Moreover,the infrared source itself does not emit any radiation and does not interfere with electromagnetic wave signals.A loaded infrared source can greatly expand the application scenario of millimeter wave CATR.Therefore,it is of great significance to study the millimeter wave CATR loaded with infrared source.Based on the Huygens-Fresnel principle and RCS(Radar Cross Section)theory,the CATR system operating in 8GHz-40 GHz loaded with an infrared source is studied by using the HFSS and HFSS-IE combined numerical simulation method.Firstly,the key factors affecting the performance of the CATR,such as edge diffraction and phase center,are analyzed to provide a basis for the research of the CATR system loaded with an infrared source.Secondly,the periodic mesh structure(metal and metamaterials)covering the infrared feed hole with the diameter of 50 mm is studied,and the influences of the change of mesh unit shape,mesh unit area and thickness on the reflection efficiency are discussed.Finally,The performances of millimeter wave CATR with the infrared feed hole covered with different mesh unit structure are compared and analyzed,and the Quiet Zone(QZ)field which satisfies the requirement of variation of amplitude and phase is obtained.This work provides a significant reference for further research of a new type of millimeter wave CATRsystem loaded with infrared source.