Frequency Independent Design of Quasi-optical Systems

Beam propagation at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths is well described by Gaussian beams and quasi-optical theory. Due to the general progress in THz technology, receiver and other quasi-optical systems in the THz range demand increasingly larger bandwidths. In this context, this paper presents a general design methodology for frequency independent quasi-optical systems, based on system matrix analysis. After the presentation of the general ideas, useful design equations are derived for the most common quasi-optical systems. Finally, the derived equations are validated by application to already deployed radio astronomy receivers.