Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In large radio telescopes, precise adjustment of the sub-reflector’s position and orientation can effectively compensate for gravitational deformations in both the main reflector surface and sub-reflector supporting structure. This compensation is crucial for maintaining optimal antenna efficiency and pointing accuracy across the full range of elevation angles. This study focuses on the Shigatse 40-meter radio telescope (RKZ40m), systematically analyzing how sub-reflector adjustments influence antenna gain and beam pointing. We developed a novel scanning-based method to establish a unified tracking model for sub-reflector positioning in both the Z- and Y-axis directions, specifically designed for RKZ40m’s unique adjustment mechanism. The model was implemented using real-time measurement data from the telescope’s enhanced correlator system and sub-reflector control computer, with results cross-validated against finite element simulations. Comprehensive performance tests, conducted by comparing system performance with and without the sub-reflector model, demonstrate significant improvements in antenna efficiency, particularly at extreme elevation angles. In the X-band operational mode, the implemented model achieves and sustains antenna efficiency above 70% throughout the entire elevation range, representing a substantial enhancement to the telescope’s observational capabilities.
Authors: YongChen JIANG, Lei ZHANG, JinQing WANG, Fan WANG, HaiLing ZHOU, Wei ZHANG, ZhengXiong SUN, LinFeng YU, RongBing ZHAO, XiaoJing WU, Yan SUN, Sang GE, QuDan GESANG, YunZhong BU, MingCheng MA, LuoBu JUEAN
Institution: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4416383173