Internal Optical Wedge Scanner for Spaceborne Telescope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spaceborne laser altimeters face challenges in achieving high along-track resolution and cross-track coverage due to mass, volume, and prime power constraints, particularly when attempting to generate high-resolution topographic maps of planetary surfaces, as they require high laser fire rates and large telescope apertures, leading to issues with signal-to-noise ratio, instrument longevity, and transmitter point-ahead compensation.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an internal optical dual wedge scanner within a telescope allows for high-speed scanning with a wide angular field of view while maintaining a narrow instantaneous field of view, reducing the size, mass, and power consumption of the optical scanning system, and incorporating a second converging optical element to reduce the impact area of the beam on the scanner, enabling efficient data collection and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large telescope apertures are used to boost signal levels for high-altitude or deep space missions, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but instrument mass and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical scanner is nested within the telescope structure, with scanning optical elements positioned inside the telescope tube. This integration allows the scanner to operate within the existing telescope aperture without requiring additional external scanning hardware, thereby maintaining signal collection area while reducing overall instrument mass and volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the scanning function with the telescope structure by integrating optical scanning elements (such as rotating mirrors or prisms) within the telescope's optical path. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate external scanning devices, reducing instrument mass while preserving both wide-field scanning capability and narrow instantaneous field of view for background noise rejection
2Productivity
If high laser fire rates are implemented to achieve high along-track resolution, then productivity is improved, but prime power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal optical scanner enables continuous high-speed scanning across the field of view, allowing the laser to fire at high repetition rates without interruption. The scanner's integration within the telescope maintains a stable optical path and consistent instantaneous field of view, enabling sustained high-rate measurements that improve along-track resolution while the efficient optical design minimizes power consumption per pulse
3Adaptability or versatility
If external scanning devices are used to achieve wide angular field of view, then scanning coverage is improved, but device complexity and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning function is merged with the telescope structure by positioning scanning optical elements (such as rotating mirrors or prisms) within the telescope tube. This integration allows the scanner to achieve wide angular field of view while using a compact mechanism that leverages the telescope's existing optical path and support structure, thereby reducing overall system complexity and mass compared to external scanning devices
Solution Approach 2:
The optical scanner is nested within the telescope structure, with scanning elements positioned inside the telescope tube along the optical path. This nested configuration allows the scanner to operate within the existing telescope aperture and mechanical structure, eliminating the need for separate external scanning hardware and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining wide-field scanning capability
4Productivity
If high scan rates are implemented to achieve contiguous topographic coverage, then productivity is improved, but angular momentum and mechanical stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical scanner is nested within the telescope structure, with scanning elements positioned inside the telescope tube. This nested configuration allows the use of compact, low-inertia scanning mechanisms that can achieve high scan rates with minimal angular momentum, as the scanning mass is reduced and positioned close to the rotation axis within the constrained telescope volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs optical scanning mechanisms (such as rotating mirrors or prisms driven by precision motors) that substitute heavy mechanical scanning structures with lighter, faster-moving optical components. This substitution enables high scan rates for contiguous topographic coverage while minimizing angular momentum through the use of low-inertia optical elements and efficient drive mechanisms
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
This configuration enables the generation of high-resolution, globally contiguous topographic maps with reduced noise background, improved image quality, and lower power consumption, addressing the limitations of conventional systems by allowing for higher scanning speeds and more efficient use of laser photons.
Implementation Method 1
an optical dual wedge scanner comprising a first optical wedge, a second optical wedge, and a controller arranged to control a synchronous rotation of the first and second optical wedges. The wedges are constructed and arranged to scan laser light
Implementation Method 2
a first converging optical element that receives the redirected light and transmits the redirected light to the scanner, and a second converging optical element within the light path between the first optical element and the scanner arranged to reduce an area of impact on the scanner
Data Source
AI summary
A telescope with internal scanner utilizing either a single optical wedge scanner or a dual optical wedge scanner and a controller arranged to control a synchronous rotation of the first and/or second optical wedges, the wedges constructed and arranged to scan light redirected by topological surfaces and/or volumetric scatterers. The telescope with internal scanner further incorporates a first converging optical element that receives the redirected light and transmits the redirected light to the scanner, and a second converging optical element within the light path between the first optical element and the scanner arranged to reduce an area of impact on the scanner of the beam collected by the first optical element.