N-arm Interferometer for Scalable Space Imaging and Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current space-based payloads are predominantly single-function systems, leading to high size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements and increased manufacturing and operational costs, as they lack a scalable solution for both imaging and communication functions.
Innovation Solution
A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) system incorporating a multi-mode N-arm interferometer, waveguides, and a processor, which integrates imaging and communication capabilities into a single payload, allowing for simultaneous interference of all input waveguides and optical path difference control, thereby reducing SWaP and enhancing scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-function systems are used for imaging and communication, then each function can be optimized independently, but the overall system size, weight, and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines imaging and communication functions into a single integrated photonic payload using a shared N-arm interferometer. Multiple aperture inputs are coupled through waveguides to the interferometer, which processes both imaging and communication signals simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems and reducing overall SWaP.
Solution Approach 2:
The N-arm interferometer is designed as a universal platform that can handle multiple functions: interferometric imaging through multiple apertures and coherent communication through dedicated inputs. The same optical processing infrastructure serves both imaging and communication purposes, making the system multi-functional rather than requiring separate specialized systems.
2Reliability
If multiple separate modules are used for imaging and communication, then each module can be independently optimized, but manufacturing and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single manufactured payload unit. The photonic integrated circuit is fabricated as one cohesive device with multiple aperture inputs, waveguide networks, and a shared interferometer, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble multiple separate modules, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Device complexity
If traditional separate systems are used for imaging and communication, then system complexity is manageable, but scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple discrete aperture inputs (N apertures) that can be independently configured and coupled to the interferometer. This segmented architecture allows the system to be scaled by adding or removing aperture inputs without redesigning the entire system, providing modularity and scalability while maintaining manageable complexity through the shared interferometric processing core.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic reconfigurability where the same N-arm interferometer can be dynamically allocated for different functions - interferometric imaging using multiple apertures or coherent communication using dedicated inputs. This dynamic flexibility allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements and scale its capabilities without physical reconfiguration.
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 PIC system achieves improved performance in both imaging and communication, with reduced manufacturing costs and power consumption, enabling a scalable and flexible multi-use optical system for space-based applications.
Implementation Method 1
configuring the multi-mode N-arm interferometer to interfere all input waveguides simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
A scalable interferometric imaging and laser communications system integrated as a single satellite payload is provided. Multiple lenslets are coupled via associated waveguides to a single multi-mode interferometer in an N-arm beam combination using a PIC based architecture. The multi-mode interferometer is coupled to a communication sensor via a splitter and to an imaging sensor via an array waveguide grating, which in turn are coupled to a processor. The system interferes all input waveguides simultaneously and provides OPD control over individual input waveguides.