Far-Field Diffraction Pattern of Corner Cube Reflectors with a Various Convering of Face

One of the most effective way to modify and optimize the corner cube retro-reflector (CCR) far-field diffraction pattern (FFDP) is to control the phase shifting of vector E orthogonal components by covering the CCR faces with different gradient coatings.

One way to modify the FFDP is covering the reflecting face with various kinds of coating. In addition to traditional cases of the metallic coating and total internal reflection, different dielectric interference coatings has been considered, which can smoothly vary the phase shift upon reflection and control the angular width and a view of the pattern. Due to redistribution of power from center to periphery, the CCR with non-coated faces forms a more favorable FFDP for GLONASS system than the CCR with metallized faces. The best pattern occurs in case of phase shift closing to zero: there is a peripheral ring of the intensity consisting of six spots without central spot at the required angular distance.

Another way to optimize the pattern is to make a gradient surface on the CCR entrance face and cover the reflecting faces with a metal film. Instead of the Airy diffraction pattern several rings are observed; the brightest ring is at an almost optimal angular distance for GLONASS system.