Surface Measuring Methods of Large Antenna: A Review

Radio telescope is an important equipment for astronomical observation and deep space exploration. Nowadays, as the caliber becomes larger and the observing frequency is getting higher, it is crucial to improve reflector surface accuracy to ensure the receiving performance. In this paper, in order to clarify the characteristics of different reflector surface measuring methods of large antenna, the reflector surface measuring methods of large radio telescope are divided into four groups:classical way, laser way, photogrammetric way and microwave holography way. First, principles and applications of different surface measuring methods are illustrated. Then, the advantages and disadvantages of each method are compared and analyzed. Finally, the development trend of reflector surfacemeasuring methods of large radio telescope is discussed. This paper can provide some references for the exploration and innovation of surface measuring methods of large antenna.