Gain properties of a conical horn in the optical region

Abstract

In this paper, we present the unique properties of a conical horn to transform incident radiation in the optical spectral region. A theoretical study is carried out in the framework of geometric optics to determine the gain characteristics of a conical horn depending on its apex angle and entrance and exit windows. In the experiment, various samples of a conical horn with its inner surface covered by stainless steel and aluminum foil are investigated. A software program is developed to simulate the transformation of light rays in the horn. The obtained formulas, software simulations, and experimental results show that the conical horn provides significant gain and considerable field of view, which are required for nonimaging applications, including object monitoring. (C) 2021 Optical Society of America