Gimbaled Multispectral Imaging System with Segmented Primary Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gimbaled multispectral imaging systems are expensive to design and build, limited in their ability to analyze various wavelengths, aperture sizes, and detector configurations, and are often hindered by weight and size constraints, leading to performance issues due to the need for complex optical elements and tight alignment tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A gimbaled multispectral imaging system comprising two mirrors and a beam splitter, with a support frame defining two gimbal axes, allowing for the analysis of different wavelength ranges using separate detectors for visible and infrared spectra, and incorporating a cold space for infrared detection, which reduces the need for re-imaging and improves thermal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional gimbaled multispectral imaging systems use multiple optical elements and filters to analyze multiple wavelength ranges, then spectral analysis capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The primary mirror is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the main optical element for light collection and as a beam splitter through its segmented structure. Different segments direct different wavelength ranges to respective detectors, eliminating the need for separate filters and beam splitters for each wavelength channel. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of optical elements while maintaining comprehensive spectral analysis capability across visible, near-infrared, and thermal infrared ranges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If beam splitters are used to split light bundles by wavelength in single-aperture designs, then spectral separation is improved, but alignment tolerance requirements become tighter
Solution Approach 1:
The primary mirror is segmented into multiple zones or sections, each responsible for directing a specific wavelength range to the appropriate detector. This segmentation is built into the mirror's structure itself, eliminating the need for separate beam splitter components. The segmented design provides inherent wavelength separation through the geometric arrangement of segments, significantly reducing alignment tolerance requirements compared to conventional beam splitter approaches.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional designs are used for different wavelength ranges, then spectral coverage is improved, but weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple spectral detection capabilities into a single integrated optical path using one primary mirror and a shared detector platform. By combining visible, near-infrared, and thermal infrared detection in a unified design with a single aperture, the system achieves broad spectral coverage without the weight and size penalties of multiple separate imaging systems. The shared optical path and detector array reduce overall system mass while maintaining comprehensive wavelength range coverage.
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 design achieves diffraction-limited performance, reduces mass and power consumption, and simplifies alignment, while allowing for flexible configuration and extended field of regard, with improved thermal efficiency and reduced manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
A primary mirror and a secondary mirror are positioned on the optical axis of the telescope, and spaced apart from one another by a suitable distance
Implementation Method 2
The primary mirror is configured to form a light bundle
Implementation Method 3
the beam splitter is positioned between the primary mirror and the secondary mirror... the beam splitter progressively split the light bundle by wavelength
Implementation Method 4
A primary mirror and a secondary mirror are positioned on the optical axis of the telescope
Implementation Method 5
The primary mirror is configured to form a light bundle
Data Source
AI summary
A gimbaled multispectral imaging system and method is described herein. In an general embodiment, the gimbaled multispectral imaging system has a cross support that defines a first gimbal axis and a second gimbal axis, wherein the cross support is rotatable about the first gimbal axis. The gimbaled multispectral imaging system comprises a telescope that fixed to an upper end of the cross support, such that rotation of the cross support about the first gimbal axis causes the tilt of the telescope to alter. The gimbaled multispectral imaging system includes optics that facilitate on-gimbal detection of visible light and off-gimbal detection of infrared light.