Starlight simulator based on integrated waveguide array and parallel light tube

Abstract

The invention discloses a starlight simulator based on an integrated waveguide array and a collimator. The starlight simulator comprises a light source, a light splitting module, an optical fiber, a rotating table, the integrated waveguide array, the collimator, a spacing-adjustable double-circular-hole diaphragm and a spacing and beam shrinking device, wherein light output by the light source is divided into multiple beams through the light splitting module and then coupled to the integrated waveguide array through the optical fiber, the output end of the integrated waveguide array is located at the focus of the collimator and forms multiple star point sources, and the multiple star point sources are collimated into parallel light through the collimator and then form two beams of parallel light through the interval-adjustable double-circular-hole diaphragm. And finally, the light enters a distance reducing and beam reducing device to finish distance adjustment and energy convergence of the two light beams. The integrated waveguide array is installed on the rotating table and can simulate the array rotating function of the space-based distributed zero elimination interference telescope system. The introduced distance-adjustable double-circular-hole diaphragm can simulate the baseline adjustment function of the space-based distributed zero elimination interference telescope system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of starlight simulator technology, specifically relating to a starlight simulator based on an integrated waveguide array and a collimator. Background Technology

[0002] Null-kill interferometric synthetic aperture (SAP) is a special pupil-plane interferometric SAP technique. This technique uses long-baseline optical interferometry to suppress stellar light from distant star systems, thereby enabling high-resolution detection of Earth-like planet signals. In a null-kill interferometric system, the concept involves deploying multiple telescopes in space to form an interferometric array. This array is aligned with the target star, ensuring that the optical path difference (OPD) of the stellar light during interference within the beam combiner is zero. Simultaneously, an achromatic phase delay (α) is introduced, causing the stellar light to be cannibalized by the interference. This prevents the stellar light from drowning out the planetary light signal, while the planet orbiting the star falls near the constructive interference, thus achieving the goal of planetary spectral detection.

[0003] The null-eliminating interferometer system envisioned in the Darwin framework is located at the Sun-Earth L2 point. The system consists of an interferometric array composed of several light collectors and a beam combiner. High-precision formation flight of the telescope spacecraft achieves overall system rotation and baseline alteration, thereby covering the UV spectral plane. Due to its high angular resolution, high contrast, and high sensitivity, null-eliminating interferometry has become one of the most promising technologies for future exoplanet detection. Since the late 20th century, NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have respectively proposed the TPF-I (Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer) project and the Darwin project to study null-eliminating interferometry.

[0004] To achieve nulling interferometry in space, ground-based verification experiments are crucial. For over 20 years since the Darwin and TPF I projects were proposed, NASA / JPL and ESA have led research teams to build several ground-based experimental systems for principle demonstration and technology verification. Examples include the PERSEE (description of a new concept for nulling interferometry recombination and OPD measurement), the Darwin nulling interferometer breadboard I, and the NICE testbed. However, the starlight simulators in these testbeds can only simulate the starlight output of star-planet systems and cannot simulate the overall structural transformation functions of a space-based distributed nulling interferometer system, such as interferometric baseline adjustment and array rotation, thus having certain limitations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above, the purpose of this invention is to provide a starlight simulator based on an integrated waveguide array and a collimator, which can simulate the various functions of a space-based distributed null-elimination interferometric telescope system and promote the development of null-elimination interferometric synthetic aperture technology.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the embodiment provides a starlight simulator based on an integrated waveguide array and a collimator, including a light source, a beam splitting module, an optical fiber, a rotary table, an integrated waveguide array, a collimator, an adjustable-spacing dual circular aperture stop, and a beam-shrinking and beam-shrinking device. The light output from the light source is split into multiple beams by the beam splitting module and then coupled into the integrated waveguide array through optical fiber. The output end of the integrated waveguide array is located at the focal point of the collimator and forms multiple star light sources. The multiple star light sources are collimated into parallel light by the collimator and then pass through the adjustable-spacing double circular aperture to form two parallel beams. Finally, they enter the spacing and beam-shrinking device to complete the spacing adjustment and energy convergence of the two beams. Among them, the integrated waveguide array is mounted on a rotating stage, which can simulate the array rotation function of the space-based distributed null-elimination interferometer telescope system; The introduced adjustable-spacing dual circular aperture can simulate the baseline adjustment function of a space-based distributed nulling interferometer system.

[0007] Preferably, the light source is a laser, and the beam splitting module includes multiple beam splitters to divide a single beam into multiple beams, which are then coupled into optical fibers via couplers. By selecting beam splitters with different splitting ratios, the relative intensity ratio of each beam can be adjusted, and attenuators can also be inserted into the beam splitters to adjust the light intensity. This allows for easy adjustment of the brightness of each star source, enabling free selection of simulated stars or planets.

[0008] Preferably, by designing the specific parameters of the integrated waveguide array, the spacing of the starlight source points can be set, specifically determined by the following formula: α=d / f Where α is the angular spacing, d is the distance between the point sources at the output end, and f is the focal length of the collimator.

[0009] Preferably, the star simulator further includes a two-dimensional displacement stage for pre-calibrating the integrated waveguide array, adjusting the center point source of the integrated waveguide array to the rotation center axis of the rotary stage. That is, through the design of the two-dimensional displacement stage, the integrated waveguide array mounted on the rotary stage can be pre-calibrated to align the central star source with the rotation center.

[0010] Preferably, the starlight simulator further includes a three-dimensional adjustment frame for adjusting the position of the integrated waveguide array so that its center point source is located at the focal point of the collimator.

[0011] Preferably, the collimator can be replaced with a lens group with collimation function.

[0012] Preferably, the two parallel beams formed by the adjustable-spacing double circular aperture are used to simulate the light received by the two sub-apertures of the space-based distributed nulling interferometer system. The distance between the sub-apertures is the interference baseline, which enables the simulation of baseline adjustment.

[0013] Preferably, the beam narrowing and beam shortening device can adjust two parallel beams with different spacings to a fixed spacing. Adding the beam narrowing and beam shortening device after the collimator allows it to simulate baseline adjustment while simultaneously achieving energy convergence and maintaining a constant output beam spacing, facilitating integration with subsequent optical paths.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention include at least the following: By mounting an integrated waveguide array on a rotating stage, the array rotation function of a space-based distributed null-elimination interferometric telescope system can be simulated. The baseline adjustment function can be simulated through the design of adjustable-spacing dual-aperture diaphragms and beam-shrinking and spacing-reduction modules. The integrated waveguide array design reduces the spacing between the point light source formed by fiber transmission to the waveguide, enabling parallel light output with arcsecond-level spacing, thus simulating starlight from star-planet systems. This invention has significant application value in experiments on null-elimination interferometric synthetic aperture technology and Fizeau interferometric synthetic aperture imaging technology, providing a new technical solution for high-contrast / high-angular-resolution astronomical optical imaging experiments, and can be extended to multiple fields such as astronomical null-elimination detection and astronomical interferometric imaging. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the starlight simulator based on an integrated waveguide array and a collimator provided in the embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the light source, beam splitting module, optical fiber, and integrated waveguide array provided in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and do not limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0018] The inventive concept of this invention is as follows: Traditional starlight simulators can only simulate the parallel light output of stars and cannot simultaneously simulate the various functions of a space-based distributed system. Existing starlight simulators generally cannot achieve a starlight angular spacing of 1 arcsecond. These limitations pose challenges to existing starlight simulation technology in applications such as astronomical nullification interferometric synthetic aperture technology, necessitating new technical solutions to overcome these problems.

[0019] Therefore, the star simulator provided in this embodiment of the invention can be regarded as an extension and improvement of the existing star simulator. It inherits the functions of the original technology, and at the same time, through the structural design of integrated waveguide array and collimator, it realizes the simulation of the array rotation function and baseline adjustment function of the distributed null-eliminating interferometric telescope system. That is, through a star simulator, not only the star output function of the traditional star simulator is realized, but also the array rotation, baseline adjustment and other functions of the space-based distributed telescope system are simulated, breaking the limitations of the existing star simulators in the world.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the starlight simulator based on an integrated waveguide array and collimator provided in this embodiment achieves functions such as array rotation and baseline adjustment through the design of modules such as an arrayed waveguide forming a starlight point source mounted on a rotating stage and an adjustable-spacing dual-aperture aperture, while simultaneously realizing starlight collimator output with a minimum spacing of 1 arcsecond. Specifically, it includes: The system comprises a light source, a beam splitter, optical fibers, a rotating stage, an integrated waveguide array, a collimator, an adjustable-spacing double circular aperture, and a beam-shrinking and beam-shortening device. The light output from the light source is split into multiple beams by the beam splitter and then coupled into the integrated waveguide array via optical fibers. The output of the integrated waveguide array is located at the focal point of the collimator, forming multiple starlight point sources. These starlight point sources are collimated by the collimator into parallel beams with a certain angular spacing, and then pass through the adjustable-spacing double circular aperture to form two parallel beams. Finally, the beam-shrinking and beam-shortening device adjusts the spacing between the two beams and converges their energy. like Figure 2 As shown, the left side contains the light source and beam splitting module. A laser is used as the light source, and the beam splitting module contains multiple beam splitters to divide a single beam into multiple beams, which are then coupled into optical fibers via couplers. The relative intensity ratio of each beam can be adjusted by selecting beam splitters with different splitting ratios, and the intensity can also be adjusted by inserting attenuators.

[0021] The optical fiber is coupled to an integrated waveguide array, thus the light in the fiber forms multiple star-shaped point sources as it passes through the integrated waveguide array. The output end of the integrated waveguide array is located at the focal point of the collimator. The spacing between the star-shaped point sources can be set by designing the specific parameters of the integrated waveguide array. The angular spacing of the star-shaped point sources is determined by the following formula: α=d / f Where α is the angular spacing, d is the distance between the point sources at the output end, and f is the focal length of the collimator. For example, if the focal length of the collimator is 3 meters, using... Figure 2 The specific parameter design in the model is such that the minimum distance between point sources is 14.5 μm, and the minimum angular spacing is 1 arcsecond.

[0022] The integrated waveguide array is mounted on a rotating stage to simulate the array rotation function of a space-based distributed telescope system; a two-dimensional displacement stage is used for the pre-calibration of the integrated waveguide array, adjusting the center point source of the integrated waveguide array to the rotation center axis of the rotating stage; a three-dimensional adjustment frame is used to adjust the position of the integrated waveguide array so that its center point source is located at the focus of the collimator.

[0023] The parallel light from the starlight point source, formed by the collimator, passes through an adjustable-spacing double circular aperture to form two parallel beams, simulating the light received by two sub-apertures of a space-based distributed telescope system. The distance between the sub-apertures is the interference baseline, and baseline adjustment can be simulated through this aperture.

[0024] By using a beam-shrinking device to adjust two parallel beams with different spacings to a fixed spacing, and by using beam shrinking to achieve energy convergence, it is easy to connect with subsequent optical paths.

[0025] The specific embodiments described above illustrate the technical solution and beneficial effects of the present invention in detail. It should be understood that the above description is only the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, additions, and equivalent substitutions made within the scope of the principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A starlight simulator based on an integrated waveguide array and a collimator, characterized in that, It includes a light source, a beam splitter module, optical fiber, a rotating stage, an integrated waveguide array, a collimator, an adjustable-spacing dual circular aperture stop, and beam-shrinking and beam-shrinking devices. The light output from the light source is split into multiple beams by the beam splitting module and then coupled into the integrated waveguide array through optical fiber. The output end of the integrated waveguide array is located at the focal point of the collimator and forms multiple star light sources. The multiple star light sources are collimated into parallel light with a certain angular spacing by the collimator and then pass through the adjustable spacing double circular aperture to form two parallel light beams. Finally, they enter the spacing reduction and beam reduction device to complete the spacing adjustment and energy convergence of the two light beams. Among them, the integrated waveguide array is mounted on a rotating stage, which can simulate the array rotation function of the space-based distributed null-elimination interferometer telescope system; The introduced adjustable-spacing dual circular aperture can simulate the baseline adjustment function of a space-based distributed nulling interferometer system.

2. The starlight simulator based on an integrated waveguide array and a collimator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light source is a laser. The beam splitting module shown contains multiple beam splitters to split a single beam into multiple beams, which are then coupled into an optical fiber through a coupler. The relative intensity ratio of each beam can be adjusted by selecting beam splitters with different splitting ratios, and the intensity can also be adjusted by inserting an attenuator after the beam splitter.

3. The starlight simulator based on an integrated waveguide array and a collimator according to claim 1, characterized in that, By designing the specific parameters of the integrated waveguide array, the spacing of the starlight source points can be set. Specifically, the angular spacing of the starlight source points is determined by the following formula: α=d / f Where α is the angular spacing, d is the distance between the point sources at the output end, and f is the focal length of the collimator.

4. The starlight simulator based on an integrated waveguide array and a collimator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The star simulator also includes a two-dimensional displacement stage for pre-calibrating the integrated waveguide array, adjusting the center point source of the integrated waveguide array to the rotation center axis of the rotary stage.

5. The starlight simulator based on an integrated waveguide array and a collimator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The starlight simulator also includes a three-dimensional adjustment frame for adjusting the position of the integrated waveguide array so that its center point source is located at the focal point of the collimator.

6. The starlight simulator based on an integrated waveguide array and a collimator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collimator can be replaced with a lens group that has a collimation function.

7. The starlight simulator based on an integrated waveguide array and a collimator according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two parallel beams of light formed by the adjustable-gap double circular aperture are used to simulate the light received by the two sub-apertures of a space-based distributed nulling interferometer system. The distance between the sub-apertures is the interference baseline, which enables the simulation of baseline adjustment.

8. The starlight simulator based on an integrated waveguide array and a collimator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The beam narrowing and beam narrowing device can adjust two parallel beams with different spacings to a fixed spacing.

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