Abstract: A low sidelobe reflector for improving the test zone performance of compact ranges by shaping the edge serrations of the range reflector. The serrations provide a means for synthesizing desired illumination function tapers at the transition region near the edge of a reflector to provide low edge diffraction. Serrations with length greater than ten wavelengths and with a flower petal shape produce the least diffraction of energy into the quiet zone.

Abstract: A boresight chamber apparatus employs a near field measurement technique for measuring the amplitude and phase distributions of an antenna under test and then deriving the boresight error from such measurements. The antenna under test is mounted within an anechoic test chamber on a wall of the chamber. Located adjacent the antenna is a near field probe which is moved along a line parallel to the plane of the antenna. The probe, as moved, scans parallel to the surface of the antenna. At prescribed equally spaced points along the line, the amplitude and phase difference between reference signal and the amplitude and phase developed by the antenna is measured. These measured data allow one to calculate the boresight error of the antenna. The probe position is controlled by a computer which also samples the output of the phase comparator at each of the points that the probe is positioned in to thereby derive an accurate representation of the amplitude and phase distributions of the antenna.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for continuously detecting skips, protrusions, protuberances and other defects in cable conductor shield, comprising a high voltage electrode, a capacitance bridge filter circuit and a corona discharge detector. A noncontacting coaxial electrode is employed to create an electric field between the cable conductor and the electrode. In the presence of this field, defects in the shield produce corona discharges. A detection circuit employing a capacitance bridge is employed to continuously detect corona discharges and produce signals used for subsequently locating the positions of the defects on the finished cable.