Flat plate type optical telescopic system based on synthetic aperture and imaging method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a flat plate type optical telescope system based on synthetic aperture and an imaging method thereof. A flat plate type optical telescope array comprises a flat plate structure and a plurality of optical telescope units arranged on the flat plate structure. The optical telescope unit is used for receiving incident light and focusing the received incident light onto the photonics chip. Multiple beams of incident light received by the multiple optical telescope units interfere with each other on the photonics chip, and an optical signal after interference is converted into an electric signal through the photoelectric detector and is transmitted to the synthetic aperture imaging module. The synthetic aperture imaging module comprises a signal processor, the signal processor receives the electric signals converted by the photoelectric detectors, demodulates the electric signals and transmits the electric signals to a computer unit, and the computer unit obtains a target image through a synthetic aperture algorithm according to the electric signals from the multiple optical telescope units. Therefore, the observation resolution and definition are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of optical telescopes, and particularly relates to a flat optical telescope system based on synthetic aperture and an imaging method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Traditional optical telescopes, such as refracting telescopes and reflecting telescopes, are limited by physical size and manufacturing processes, and often struggle to meet the requirements of high resolution, lightweight, and portability simultaneously. With the progress of technology, especially the rapid development of photonics technology and image processing technology, new ways have been provided for the miniaturization and performance improvement of optical telescopes. However, how to effectively combine these technologies to construct a flat optical telescope system that is both highly performant and portable is a major challenge in the current technical field.

[0003] Synthetic aperture technology is a technology that achieves the observation effect equivalent to that of a large-aperture telescope or antenna through the collaborative work of multiple small telescopes or antenna units. In the field of radar, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) has been widely used. However, in the field of optical telescopes, due to the characteristics of light waves and technical difficulties, the implementation of synthetic aperture technology is relatively complex. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide a flat optical telescope system based on synthetic aperture and an imaging method thereof, which can improve the resolution and clarity of observations, and is more portable and easy to operate.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the present invention is realized as follows:

[0006] A flat optical telescope system based on synthetic aperture includes a flat optical telescope array, a photonics chip, a photodetector, a synthetic aperture imaging module, and a computer unit;

[0007] The flat optical telescope array includes a flat structure and a plurality of optical telescope units arranged on the flat structure; the optical telescope units are used to receive incident light and focus the received incident light onto the photonics chip; multiple beams of incident light received by the plurality of optical telescope units interfere on the photonics chip, and the interfered optical signal is converted into an electrical signal by the photodetector and transmitted to the synthetic aperture imaging module;

[0008] The synthetic aperture imaging module includes a signal processor. The signal processor receives the electrical signal converted by the photodetector, demodulates the electrical signal, and transmits it to the computer unit. The computer unit obtains a target image through an image processing algorithm including a synthetic aperture algorithm based on the electrical signal from the signal processor.

[0009] Further, the optical telescope unit includes a lens and a phase modulator, and the phase modulator is located on the optical path from the lens to the photonics chip.

[0010] Further, it further includes an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism includes a position sensor and a driving component. The position sensor is arranged on the optical telescope unit and is used to collect the position information of the optical telescope unit; the driving component is connected to the optical telescope unit and is used to adjust the position of the optical telescope unit on the flat structure and the tilt angle relative to the flat structure.

[0011] Further, the synthetic aperture imaging module includes a memory. The memory is connected to the signal processor and is used to store the data formed after being processed by the signal processor.

[0012] An imaging method for a flat optical telescope system based on synthetic aperture. The imaging method is applied to a flat optical telescope system, and the flat optical telescope system includes a flat optical telescope array, a photonics chip, a photodetector, a synthetic aperture imaging module, and a computer unit; the flat optical telescope array includes a plurality of optical telescope units; the imaging method includes:

[0013] Receiving incident light through the flat optical telescope array, focusing the light beams of multiple optical telescope units on the photonics chip, and interference occurs on the photonics chip;

[0014] Receiving the light incident from the photonics chip through the photodetector and converting the optical signal into an electrical signal;

[0015] Demodulating the electrical signal output by the photodetector through the synthetic aperture imaging module and transmitting it to the computer unit;

[0016] Performing synthetic aperture algorithm processing on the output of the synthetic aperture imaging module through the computer unit to obtain a target image.

[0017] Further, the optical telescope unit includes a lens and a phase modulator, and the phase modulator is located on the optical path from the lens to the photonics chip; after performing the synthetic aperture algorithm through the computer unit to obtain a target image, the optical imaging method further includes:

[0018] According to the clarity of the obtained target image, adjusting the phase of the optical signal emitted by the corresponding optical telescope unit through the phase modulator to improve the clarity of the target image.

[0019] Further, the flat-panel optical telescopic system further includes an adjustment mechanism, which includes a position sensor and a driving component. The position sensor is disposed on the optical telescope unit, and the driving component is connected to the optical telescope unit. After adjusting the phase of the corresponding optical telescope unit through the phase modulator according to the target image to improve the clarity of the target image, the optical imaging method further includes:

[0020] According to the clarity of the obtained target image and the position information of the optical telescope unit collected by the position sensor, adjust the position of the optical telescope unit on the flat-panel structure and the tilt angle relative to the flat-panel structure through the driving component to improve the clarity of the target image.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention can achieve the following beneficial effects: The flat-panel optical telescopic system based on synthetic aperture provided by the embodiment of the present invention has the ability of long-distance observation and can observe farther targets and details. Multiple optical telescope units can achieve the observation effect equivalent to that of a large-aperture telescope through synthetic aperture technology, improving the resolution and clarity of observation. At the same time, the adoption of a flat-panel structure makes the flat-panel optical telescopic system smaller in volume, lighter in weight, and more convenient to carry. The flat-panel optical telescopic system can overcome the limitations of traditional optical telescopes in terms of resolution, volume, weight, and portability, and realize the observation functions of high resolution, long distance, low power consumption, portability, and easy operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The drawings constituting a part of the present invention are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The schematic embodiments and descriptions thereof of the present invention are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present invention. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structure diagram of the flat-panel optical telescopic system based on synthetic aperture according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional structure diagram of the flat-panel optical telescopic system based on synthetic aperture in another direction according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the flat-panel optical telescopic system based on synthetic aperture according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the imaging method of the flat-panel optical telescopic system based on synthetic aperture according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Description of the reference numerals:

[0028] 10. Flat optical telescopic system; 11. Flat optical telescope array; 12. Photonics chip; 13. Photoelectric detector; 14. Synthetic aperture imaging module; 15. Computer unit; 16. Flat structure; 17. Optical telescope unit; 18. Outer shell; 19. Lens; 20. Phase modulator; 21. Memory; 22. Adjusting mechanism; 23. Position sensor; 24. Driving component; 25. Signal processor. Detailed implementation manners

[0029] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer and more understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention, rather than limiting the present invention. Similar elements in different embodiments are labeled with related similar element numbers. In the following embodiments, many details are described to enable a better understanding of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art can easily recognize that some of the features can be omitted in different situations, or can be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, some operations related to the present invention are not shown or described in the specification, in order to avoid the core part of the present invention being overwhelmed by excessive description. For those skilled in the art, it is not necessary to describe these related operations in detail, and they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and the general technical knowledge in the art.

[0030] It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other to form various implementation manners. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can also be reordered or adjusted in an obvious manner by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various sequences in the specification and drawings are only for clearly describing a certain embodiment, and do not mean that they are the necessary sequences, unless it is stated that a certain sequence must be followed.

[0031] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention. In addition, terms such as "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first", "second", etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise stated, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more.

[0032] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "mounted", "connected", "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood through specific situations.

[0033] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings and in conjunction with embodiments.

[0034] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a flat optical telescopic system 10 based on synthetic aperture, which can be applicable to various scenarios such as astronomical observation, field exploration, military reconnaissance, and inter-satellite communication. The flat optical telescopic system 10 includes a flat optical telescope array 11, a photonics chip 12, a photodetector 13, a synthetic aperture imaging module 14, and a computer unit 15.

[0035] The flat-panel optical telescope array 11 includes a flat-panel structure 16 and a plurality of optical telescope units 17 arranged on the flat-panel structure 16. The plurality of optical telescope units 17 can form an effect equivalent to that of a large-aperture optical telescope, so that the resolution of the flat-panel optical telescope system 10 can be improved. At the same time, the adoption of the flat-panel structure 16 makes the flat-panel optical telescope system 10 smaller in volume and lighter in weight, facilitating portability. In this embodiment, the flat-panel structure 16 is a circular plate-like structure. The flat-panel optical telescope array 11 includes multiple groups of optical telescope unit groups arranged at uniform intervals along the radial direction of the flat-panel structure 16, and each group of optical telescope unit groups includes a plurality of optical telescope units 17 arranged at uniform intervals along the circumferential direction of the flat-panel structure 16. In one embodiment, a housing 18 is provided on the outer side of the flat-panel structure 16, and the photonics chip 12, the photodetector 13, and the synthetic aperture imaging module 14 are arranged inside the housing 18. The housing 18 can be used to integrate and protect the above components. The materials of the flat-panel structure 16 and the housing 18 can be lightweight, high-strength, and corrosion-resistant materials such as aluminum alloy and titanium alloy, which not only have excellent mechanical properties but also can effectively reduce the weight of the flat-panel optical telescope system 10. In one embodiment, a cooling system such as a fan and a heat sink is provided inside the housing 18 to ensure the long-term stable operation of the optical telescope system. Moreover, the housing 18 also has protection performances such as waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, protection against high and low temperatures, and radiation protection to improve the durability and reliability of the optical telescope system.

[0036] The optical telescope unit 17 is used to receive incident light and focus the received incident light onto the photonics chip 12. The flat-panel optical telescope system 10 further includes a high-precision clock synchronization module such as an atomic clock and a GPS timing module to ensure the consistency of the time reference of the plurality of optical telescope units 17. The photonics chip 12 has the capabilities of high-speed optical signal reception, conversion, and processing, supports a high-speed data transmission rate, and has low power consumption. Among them, the photonics chip 12 can be integrated into the housing 18 by using miniaturized and highly reliable packaging technologies such as Flip-Chip (flip chip) and WLCSP (Wafer-Level Chip-Scale Package). By using the photonics chip 12 and advanced image processing algorithms, low-power operation can be achieved, and the observation time can be extended. In one embodiment, the flat-panel optical telescope system 10 includes a plurality of heat dissipation structures arranged inside the housing 18 along the circumferential direction of the photonics chip 12. The heat dissipation structures can be heat sinks, heat radiators, etc. The heat generated by the photonics chip 12 during operation can be eliminated to ensure the stable operation of the photonics chip 12. The multiple beams of incident light received by the plurality of optical telescope units 17 interfere on the photonics chip 12, and the interfered optical signal is converted into an electrical signal by the photodetector 13 and transmitted to the synthetic aperture imaging module 14.

[0037] The synthetic aperture imaging module 14 includes a signal processor 25. The signal processor 25 receives the electrical signals converted by the photodetector 13, demodulates the electrical signals, and transmits them to the computer unit 15. In one embodiment, the synthetic aperture imaging module 14 includes a memory 21. The memory 21 is connected to the signal processor 25 and is used to store the data formed after being processed by the signal processor 25. The synthetic aperture imaging module 14 can be a signal processing board based on FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The signal processor 25 and the memory 21 can be integrated on the signal processing board, and at the same time, a high-speed interface circuit can be equipped for data transmission and communication with the computer unit 15. The computer unit 15 obtains the target image according to the electrical signals from the signal processor 25 through image processing algorithms including the synthetic aperture algorithm. In one embodiment, the computer unit 15 includes a computer controller. First, the computer controller preprocesses the electrical signals from the signal processor 25, including steps such as signal amplification, filtering, and denoising, to eliminate the interference and noise that may be introduced during the transmission process. Secondly, the computer controller realizes image reconstruction on the preprocessed electrical signals through image processing algorithms to obtain the actual image data. The image processing algorithms include image denoising, enhancement, stitching, and the synthetic aperture algorithm, etc. The computer controller further processes the preprocessed electrical signals through the synthetic aperture algorithm, synthesizes the electrical signals obtained from the synthetic aperture imaging module 14, and performs processing such as Fourier transform on the synthesized electrical signals to extract the spatial frequency information of the target object. Through inverse Fourier transform or other image reconstruction algorithms, the spatial frequency information is converted into actual image data, thereby realizing the reconstruction of the image. Finally, the computer controller outputs the reconstructed actual image data to a display device or other storage media to obtain the target image for the user to view and analyze.

[0038] A flat-panel optical telescopic system 10 based on synthetic aperture provided by an embodiment of the present invention has the ability to observe at a long distance and can observe farther targets and details. Multiple optical telescope units 17 can achieve the observation effect equivalent to that of a large-aperture telescope through synthetic aperture technology, improving the resolution and clarity of observation. At the same time, by adopting the flat-panel structure 16, the flat-panel optical telescopic system 10 has a smaller volume and lighter weight, making it more convenient to carry. The flat-panel optical telescopic system 10 can overcome the limitations of traditional optical telescopes in terms of resolution, volume, weight, and portability, and realize the observation functions of high resolution, long distance, low power consumption, portability, and easy operation.

[0039] In one embodiment, the optical telescope unit 17 includes a lens 19 and a phase modulator 20, and the phase modulator 20 is located on the optical path from the lens 19 to the photonics chip 12. Herein, the optical telescope unit 17 is equivalent to a collimator, which can focus the input light beam onto the photonics chip 12 to ensure high-quality imaging effects. The phase modulator 20 can perform phase modulation on the received optical signal and output the modulated optical signal to improve the final imaging effects.

[0040] In one embodiment, the flat optical telescope system 10 further includes an adjustment mechanism 22. The adjustment mechanism 22 includes a position sensor 23 and a driving component 24. The position sensor 23 is disposed on the optical telescope unit 17 and is used to collect the position information of the optical telescope unit 17. The position information may refer to the relative position of the optical telescope unit 17 on the flat structure 16 and the tilt angle relative to the flat structure 16. The driving component 24 is connected to the optical telescope unit 17 and is used to adjust the position of the optical telescope unit 17 on the flat structure 16 and the tilt angle relative to the flat structure 16. The driving component 24 may include a motor and a transmission member. The transmission member is connected between the motor and the optical telescope unit 17, and the motor can drive the optical telescope unit 17 to move through the transmission member, so as to accurately adjust the position and pointing of the optical telescope unit 17, so that the observation effect equivalent to that of a large-aperture telescope can be formed.

[0041] In this embodiment, the photonics chip 12, the photodetector 13, and the synthetic aperture imaging module 14 can be sequentially installed in the housing 18 according to a predetermined design, the optical telescope unit 17 is installed on the flat structure 16, and the flat structure 16 is assembled into the housing 18. Use precise adjustment tools to calibrate and fix the positions and angles of the above components. Then, connect the optical telescope unit 17, the photonics chip 12, and the photodetector 13 through an optical waveguide, and connect the photodetector 13, the synthetic aperture imaging module 14, and the computer unit 15 through a cable to ensure that the flat optical telescope system 10 can communicate and work normally.

[0042] For optical path debugging, a dedicated tool can be used to debug the optical path and adjust the optical telescope unit 17 to ensure that the input light beam can be accurately focused on the photonics chip 12. And auxiliary tools such as a light source and a grating can be used to further calibrate and optimize the optical path of the light beam output by the optical telescope unit 17 to reduce light loss and stray light interference.

[0043] For software debugging, observation parameters such as observation distance, resolution, exposure time, etc. can be set on the control interface of the controller of the flat-panel optical telescope system. After starting the flat-panel optical telescope system 10, function tests and performance optimizations are carried out. The image processing algorithm of the flat-panel optical telescope system 10 can be debugged and verified to ensure that the image processing algorithm can correctly process and reconstruct images. Then, the overall performance of the flat-panel optical telescope system 10 is tested and evaluated, including indicators such as resolution, observation distance, power consumption, etc.

[0044] See Figure 3 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides an imaging method for a flat-panel optical telescope system 10 based on synthetic aperture. The imaging method is applied to the flat-panel optical telescope system 10. The imaging method includes:

[0045] Step S1: Receive incident light through the flat-panel optical telescope array 11, focus the light beams of multiple optical telescope units 17 onto the photonics chip 12, and interference occurs on the photonics chip 12.

[0046] Step S2: Receive the light incident from the photonics chip 12 through the photodetector 13, and convert the optical signal into an electrical signal;

[0047] Step S3: Demodulate the electrical signal output by the photodetector 13 through the synthetic aperture imaging module 14 and transmit it to the computer unit 15;

[0048] Step S4: Perform synthetic aperture algorithm processing on the output of the synthetic aperture imaging module 14 through the computer unit 15 to obtain a target image. In this way, multiple optical telescope units 17 can achieve the observation effect equivalent to that of a large-aperture telescope through synthetic aperture technology, improving the resolution and clarity of the observed target image.

[0049] In one embodiment, after step S4, the optical imaging method further includes step S5:

[0050] Step S5: According to the clarity of the obtained target image, adjust the phase of the optical signal emitted by the corresponding optical telescope unit 17 through the phase modulator 20 to improve the clarity of the target image. The computer controller can change the phase of the optical signal emitted by the optical telescope unit 17 corresponding to the phase modulator 20 according to the clarity of the obtained target image to improve the clarity of the observed target image and achieve closed-loop adjustment.

[0051] In one embodiment, after step S5, the optical imaging method further includes step S6:

[0052] Step S6: According to the clarity of the obtained target image and the position information of the optical telescope unit 17 collected by the position sensor 23, the position of the optical telescope unit 17 on the flat structure 16 and the tilt angle relative to the flat structure 16 are adjusted through the driving component 24 to improve the clarity of the target image. The computer controller can, according to the clarity of the obtained target image and the position information of the optical telescope unit collected in real time by the position sensor, through the controller of the flat optical telescope system, enable the driving component 24 to adjust the position of the optical telescope unit 17 on the flat structure 16 and the tilt angle relative to the flat structure 16 to improve the clarity of the target image and achieve closed-loop adjustment.

[0053] It should be understood that various forms of the processes shown above can be used, with steps reordered, added, or deleted. For example, the steps recited in the disclosure of the present invention can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in a different order, as long as the desired results of the technical solution disclosed in the present invention can be achieved, and no limitation is imposed herein.

[0054] The above specific embodiments do not constitute a limitation on the protection scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flat optical telescope system based on synthetic aperture, characterized in that: It includes a flat-panel optical telescope array, a photonics chip, a photodetector, a synthetic aperture imaging module, and a computer unit; The flat-panel optical telescope array comprises a flat-panel structure and a plurality of optical telescope units arranged on the flat-panel structure; the optical telescope units are used to receive incident light and focus the received incident light onto the photonics chip; the multiple incident light beams received by the plurality of optical telescope units interfere on the photonics chip, and the interfered optical signals are converted into electrical signals by the photodetector and transmitted to the synthetic aperture imaging module; The synthetic aperture imaging module includes a signal processor, which receives the electrical signal converted by the photodetector, demodulates the electrical signal, and transmits it to the computer unit. The computer unit obtains the target image based on the electrical signal from the signal processor through an image processing algorithm including a synthetic aperture algorithm.

2. The flat optical telescope system based on synthetic aperture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical telescope unit includes a lens and a phase modulator, and the phase modulator is located on the optical path from the lens to the photonics chip.

3. The flat optical telescope system based on synthetic aperture according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an adjustment mechanism, which includes a position sensor and a drive assembly. The position sensor is arranged on the optical telescope unit, and the position sensor is used to collect position information of the optical telescope unit; the drive assembly is connected to the optical telescope unit, and is used to adjust the position of the optical telescope unit on the flat structure and the inclination angle relative to the flat structure.

4. The flat optical telescope system based on synthetic aperture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The synthetic aperture imaging module includes a memory, which is connected to the signal processor and is used to store data generated after being processed by the signal processor.

5. An imaging method of a flat optical telescope system based on synthetic aperture, characterized in that: The imaging method is applied to the flat-panel optical telescope system, which includes a flat-panel optical telescope array, a photonics chip, a photodetector, a synthetic aperture imaging module, and a computer unit; the flat-panel optical telescope array includes a plurality of optical telescope units; the imaging method includes: receiving incident light through the flat optical telescope array, focusing the light beams passing through the plurality of optical telescope units onto the photonics chip, and causing interference on the photonics chip; receiving light incident from the photonics chip through the photodetector and converting the optical signal into an electrical signal; Demodulating the electrical signal output by the photodetector through the synthetic aperture imaging module and transmitting the demodulated signal to the computer unit; The computer unit performs synthetic aperture algorithm processing on the output of the synthetic aperture imaging module to obtain a target image.

6. The imaging method of the flat optical telescope system based on synthetic aperture according to claim 5, characterized in that: The optical telescope unit includes a lens and a phase modulator, wherein the phase modulator is located on an optical path from the lens to the photonics chip; After the computer unit performs a synthetic aperture algorithm to obtain a target image, the optical imaging method further includes: According to the obtained definition of the target image, the phase of the light signal emitted by the corresponding optical telescope unit is adjusted by the phase modulator to improve the definition of the target image.

7. The imaging method of the flat optical telescope system based on synthetic aperture according to claim 6, characterized in that: The flat optical telescope system further includes an adjustment mechanism, the adjustment mechanism includes a position sensor and a drive assembly, the position sensor is provided at the optical telescope unit, and the drive assembly is connected to the optical telescope unit; after the clarity of the target image is obtained and the phase of the light signal emitted by the corresponding optical telescope unit is adjusted by the phase modulator to improve the clarity of the target image, the optical imaging method further includes: According to the obtained clarity of the target image and the position information of the optical telescope unit collected by the position sensor, the position of the optical telescope unit on the flat structure and the inclination angle relative to the flat structure are adjusted by the driving component to improve the clarity of the target image.

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