NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
An active alignment scheme for the MPTS arrayIn order to maximize the efficiency of the microwave power transmission system (MPTS), the surface of the array antenna must be extremely flat, which is difficult to achieve using passive techniques over the 1 km dimensions of the array. In order to achieve and maintain this required flatness, a rotating laser beam used for leveling applications on Earth was utilized as a reference system. A photoconductive sensor with a reflective collecting surface was used to determine the displacement and polarity of any misalignment and automatically engage a stepping motor to drive a variable-length mechanism to make the necessary corrections. Once aligned, little power is dissipated since a nulling bridge circuit that centers on the beam is used, an important alignment feature since even laser beams broaden considerably at 1 km distances.
Document ID
19820004668
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Iwasaki, R.
(Axiomatix Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1980
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Johnson Space Center Workshop on Microwave Power Transmission and Reception
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Accession Number
82N12541
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available