Multi-Aperture Segmented Imaging for Turbulence Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ladar systems face challenges in achieving high-resolution imaging and directed energy applications due to atmospheric turbulence, which degrades image quality and requires large apertures that are impractical for airborne platforms, and existing adaptive optics solutions are either complex or ineffective in compact form factors.
Innovation Solution
A multi-aperture segmented system using subapertures that digitally sense and correct for phase aberrations, allowing for high-resolution imaging and beam predistortion to overcome turbulence and anisoplanatism without mechanical deformable mirrors, enabling compact and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large aperture is used to achieve high-resolution imaging, then imaging resolution is improved, but device complexity and platform feasibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large aperture into multiple smaller subapertures arranged in an array. Each subaperture collects light independently, and the signals are combined computationally to achieve the resolution equivalent of a large aperture. This segmentation approach maintains high imaging resolution while reducing the physical size and complexity of each individual optical element, making the system feasible for airborne platforms.
2Measurement precision
If conventional adaptive optics with deformable mirrors is used to compensate for atmospheric turbulence, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and system size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wavefront correction systems (deformable mirrors, wavefront sensors) with a computational approach. Each subaperture is equipped with a simple phase detector that measures atmospheric phase errors, and a computer systematically combines the subaperture signals with computationally applied phase corrections. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components while achieving atmospheric compensation and high image quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single large aperture is used for both imaging and directed energy, then system functionality is improved, but ease of operation and platform feasibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aperture into multiple smaller subapertures that can be independently controlled. For imaging, the subapertures are combined to achieve high resolution. For directed energy applications, the same subaperture array can be used to transmit laser energy, with each subaperture contributing to the overall beam. This segmentation enables dual functionality while reducing the size and complexity of individual components, improving platform feasibility.
4Measurement precision
If atmospheric turbulence is present, then imaging resolution deteriorates, but the system cannot easily compensate without complex adaptive optics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where phase detectors at each subaperture continuously monitor atmospheric phase errors caused by turbulence. The computer receives this feedback information and dynamically adjusts the phase corrections applied to each subaperture signal. This closed-loop feedback system compensates for atmospheric turbulence in real-time, maintaining high imaging resolution without requiring complex mechanical adaptive optics systems.
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 approach enables high-resolution targeting and imaging in turbulent conditions with reduced system size and complexity, providing effective atmospheric compensation and high-bandwidth correction for both imaging and directed energy applications.
Implementation Method 1
coherent detection is used at each subaperture and then digital generation is used to produce a single high-resolution image
Implementation Method 2
the aberration values are fed to each transceiver of the array which pre-distorts the transmit beam to produce a small spot on the target
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging method and associated system for producing high-resolution images. The method includes illuminating an object or scene with coherent radiation such as beams from a laser and then, collecting scattered light with a plurality of subapertures rather than a single large aperture. The method continues with coherently detecting, such as with heterodyne detection, the scattered light to measure the complex amplitude incident on each subaperture and digitally reconstructing images from the coherently detected light for the subapertures. Then digital co-phasing is performed on the subapertures using an image sharpness or quality metric to form an image having the resolution of the total subaperture area. The method may also include determining an aimpoint in the formed image, calculating a phase screen, directing laser beams through the subapertures towards the aimpoint, and co-phasing the laser beams by applying the phase screen to form a single beam.