Dual-Axis Coronagraph for Stray Light Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for imaging the solar corona and inner heliosphere are limited by high stray light levels, instrument stability issues, and the need for multiple instruments, which hampers effective space weather forecasting and proton storm prediction.

Innovation Solution

A compact, lightweight system combining a wide field annular coronagraph and a solar coronal imager on a common axis, utilizing annular aspheric optics and a baffle design to reduce stray light, with a single cylindrical package that includes a radiator and coolant system, allowing simultaneous imaging of the solar corona and inner heliosphere.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate instruments are used for coronal and heliospheric imaging, then imaging coverage is improved, but instrument mass and volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging coverageVSAvoidinstrument mass

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a wide field annular coronagraph and a solar coronal imager into a single integrated instrument package with a common optical axis. This merging of previously separate instruments achieves full coronal and heliospheric imaging coverage while reducing the total mass and volume compared to using multiple separate instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated instrument performs multiple functions simultaneously - wide field annular coronagraphy for heliospheric imaging and solar coronal imaging - within a single platform. This multi-functionality allows one instrument to replace what would traditionally require separate specialized instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional optical designs are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but stray light levels increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical design simplicityVSAvoidstray light levels

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an annular asymmetric optical design with a blocked aperture at the focal plane of a non-imaging lens. This asymmetric configuration, combined with specific baffle arrangements, redirects and reduces stray light paths while maintaining manufacturability of the optical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The design extracts and removes stray light from the optical system using specifically positioned baffles that intercept off-axis light before it reaches the detector. The blocked aperture at the focal plane also extracts stray light by preventing it from contributing to the image.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If traditional coronagraph configurations are used, then optical alignment is simplified, but instrument stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical alignmentVSAvoidinstrument stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument is divided into distinct modular sections - the wide field annular coronagraph section and the solar coronal imager section - each with its own optimized optical path. This segmentation allows independent alignment of each module while maintaining overall system stability through a common mounting structure and shared optical axis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system provides low stray light characteristics, improved instrument stability, and reduced mass and volume, enabling effective simultaneous imaging of the solar corona and inner heliosphere, enhancing space weather forecasting and proton storm prediction capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing annular aspheric optics and a baffle design to reduce stray light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStray light reduction: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a single cylindrical package that includes a radiator and coolant system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

a single cylindrical package that includes a radiator and coolant system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS8280104B2Dual acquisition miniature all-sky coronagraph

Publication Date: 2012.10.02 SOUTHWEST RES INST

AI summary

A system for simultaneously imaging the corona and inner heliosphere of the Sun from a space borne platform. The system includes, a wide-field annular coronagraph (WAC) having annular, aspheric reflecting optics centered on an axis coinciding with the azimuthal orientation of the imaging system towards the Sun. The WAC incorporates an occulting cone having an axis of symmetry coinciding with that of the reflecting optic system and a baffle system for reducing stray light at angles far from the Sun. The system includes a solar coronal imager (SCI) positioned within the occulting cone of the WAC. The SCI includes axially aligned refracting optics centered on an axis coinciding with the azimuthal orientation of the imaging system and includes at least one occulting disk. The WAC and SCI each utilize digital electronic imaging and associated image processing instrumentation. The occulting cone of the WAC also functions as a radiative cooler.