Multi-feed System for a Variable Profile Antenna

A new design for the RATAN-600 radio telescope is discussed. A multi-channel receiving system, using the principles of phased feed arrays, is suggested for installation in the focal region of the secondary mirror. In such a hybrid system, the main reflecting surface with its rather large collecting area would provide the sensitivity and resolving power of the telescope, and the feed array would give a considerable increase in field of view. Several advantages of such a system, widely used in radar technique, could be applied to radio astronomy. Two version of the array configuration are considered: a one-dimensional version, using the existing secondary reflector, and a more complicated but more powerful two- or three-dimensional configuration. For the latter, we propose to use either the existing secondary reflector, or a new, specially shaped secondary.