Gravitational deformation of a reflector antenna measured with single-receiver holography

Holographic measurements of deformations in a large antenna reflector are described. The deformations were brought about by changing elevation angle and gravitational loading. A phase-switching arrangement was used, which allowed a single, already installed and operating receiver to be shared by both the main antenna signal and a reference signal. Natural H/sub 2/O masers in our galaxy were used as signal sources, and a reference antenna was attached rigidly to the antenna under test so as to move with it. Observing techniques are described that accommodate changes in source elevation angles and antenna feed position while acquiring a data set.