Iupikov O. Modeling and optimization of the hybrid antenna system for radio telescopes with a wide field of view

Object - process of forming of a radio telescope multi-path field of view and associated processes which occur in the system. Purpose - modeling of hybrid antenna systems with focal arrays comprising low-noise amplifiers and a beam former, optimization of the hybrid reflector antenna parameters, analysis of the test prototype of APERTIF antenna array using the developed model. Methods - method of characteristic basic functions, computer modeling, experimental studies. Results - a mathematical and a computer model of signal reception and beam control system have been first developed which differ from any previously known models. An algorithm for parameters optimization of antenna systems with focal arrays has been first developed. An engineering program has been developed to calculate and analyze characteristics of reflector antennas with focal grids, and to optimize the array weight coefficients according to the user-defined criteria. Implementation - the developed models are implemented in APERTIF project of the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, and are also used at Sevastopol Radiocommunication Design Bureau of "Telecard-Pribor" Ltd. Application - antenna systems of radio telescopes and radar stations