A 340 GHz high Gaussicity smooth spline horn antenna for the STEAMR instrument

We present the design, fabrication and measurements of a smooth walled spline feed horn antenna for the satellite borne climate research instrument STEAMR operating at 340 GHz. A method has been developed which, for a certain desired beam waist, can be used to optimize the horn profile for high Gaussicity and ultra-low sidelobes. The simulated performance of the horn achieves a beam waist of 1.9 mm over the band 323-357 GHz with Gaussian coupling efficiency exceeding 98%. The peak cross-polar sidelobes are below -28 dB over the required frequency band. For cost effective manufacturing with high repeatability, the smooth wall spline profile is drilled in out from a metal block using a custom made broach. To validate the design and fabrication, planar measurements of the phase and amplitude have been performed and from measured E-field vital horn parameters have been extracted.