| This thesis covers two topics related to the performance of the Synthesis Telescope at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO). First, the sources of ground noise (mesh leakage, spillover and strut scattering noise) which contribute to the antenna temperature and methods to reduce these noise contributions were studied. By combining the results from the experiments performed and antenna modifications suggested here, the antenna temperature can be reduced from 14 K to 8 K. The second topic is an investigation of instrumental polarization across the field of view of a radio telescope antenna. The antenna components that have significant effect on instrumental polarization are the reflector curvature, feed cross polarization, reflector surface roughness and the struts (different strut arrangements, sizes and cross-sectional shapes have different impacts on instrumental polarization). This study showed that feed cross polarization is the most significant source of instrumental polarization, followed by strut properties, reflector curvature and reflector surface roughness. |
