We present near-field radio holography measurements of the Simons Observatory
Large Aperture Telescope Receiver optics. These measurements demonstrate that
radio holography of complex millimeter-wave optical systems comprising
cryogenic lenses, filters, and feed horns can provide detailed characterization
of wave propagation before deployment. We used the measured amplitude and
phase, at 4K, of the receiver near-field beam pattern to predict two key
performance parameters: 1) the amount of scattered light that will spill past
the telescope to 300K and 2) the beam pattern expected from the receiver when
fielded on the telescope. These cryogenic measurements informed the removal of
a filter, which led to improved optical efficiency and reduced side-lobes at
the exit of the receiver. Holography measurements of this system suggest that
the spilled power past the telescope mirrors will be less than 1% and the main
beam with its near side-lobes are consistent with the nominal telescope design.
This is the first time such parameters have been confirmed in the lab prior to
deployment of a new receiver. This approach is broadly applicable to millimeter
and sub-millimeter instruments.Comment: in proces