Rapid Alignment of High-Accuracy Reflector Panels Used in Compact Antenna Test Ranges Based on Laser Tracker and Dial Indicator

The assembly and alignment of large-scale and high-accuracy reflector used in compact antenna test ranges (CATR) face great challenges. To address these challenges, a closed-loop alignment system is established based on 6 degrees of freedom adjustment mechanism, laser tracker and digital dial indicator. Under the cooperation of the three components, the adjusting and positioning resolution of the system can reach 1 μm. A large-scale reflector used in the CATR with 5 m quiet-zone is quickly aligned using the alignment system within two weeks, and the RMS of profile deviation of the reflector with 11.7 m width and 10.32 m height reached to 27 μm. Compared with the manufacturing accuracy of 24 μm, the panel profile accuracy loss caused by the assembly and alignment process is only 3 μm.