Platelet Orthomode Transducer for $Q$-Band Correlation Polarimeter Clusters

This paper presents a Q-band orthomode transducer (OMT) that has been designed according to the mechanical constraints of the platelet (multi-layer) manufacturing strategy. It is composed of a twofold symmetric coupling section with two electrically identical recombination networks. The two OMT outputs lay on the same plane to provide a suitable interface to the correlation unit. The two channels are equalized in both magnitude and phase according to the correlation polarimeter requirements. They also exhibit a very low cross-coupling (-50 dB) and good reflection levels (-28 dB) in the 21% bandwidth.