IR/MW multilayered dielectric plate beam combiner design, optimization, and evaluation.

We investigated the design, optimization, and evaluation method of an infrared (IR)/microwave (MW) multilayered dielectric plate type of beam combiner. The MW multilayered dielectrics design theory and IR film design theory were unified using transmission line theory. The principles in designing the initial structure of a beam combiner were presented. An objective function was presented in optimizing the beam combiner. Six evaluation indices were constructed to evaluate the performance of the beam combiner. To verify the feasibility of the proposed method an example was given. The results showed that the method could meet the joint design, optimization, and evaluation requirements of a beam combiner's IR and MW characteristics. Finally, the design, optimization, and evaluation procedure was summarized.