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arXiv · 2608.18998

Physical Optics Analysis of Polarization Effects in SO LAT Reflectors

Xiaodong Ren·Patricio A. Gallardo·Jon E. Gudmundsson
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Abstract

We present a physical-optics analysis of the polarization response of the reflective optical of the Simons Observatory Large Aperture Telescope (SO LAT). Far-field co-polar and cross-polar beam patterns are simulated for representative feedhorn positions, and the corresponding polarization-angle offsets are evaluated. The results show that the crossed-Dragone reflector system has good polarization performance. Off-axis feed positions introduce small, position-dependent offsets in the far-field polarization orientation, with a maximum value of 0.23 degrees, due to optical asymmetry. The relative polarization-angle offset under feedhorn polarization rotation, however, remains consistent with zero. No significant frequency dependence is found over the frequencies considered. These results provide a practical reference for polarization-angle calibration and for assessing reflector-induced polarization systematics in the SO LAT.

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Xiaodong Ren, Patricio A. Gallardo, Jon E. Gudmundsson. 2026-08-19. Physical Optics Analysis of Polarization Effects in SO LAT Reflectors. https://arxiv.org/abs/2608.18998

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