Optical Sensor Jitter Stabilization via Double-Pass Retroreflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance optical sensors face challenges in accurately tracking and correcting image jitter due to inaccuracies in jitter measurement, which can result in blurry images, especially in systems like ground vehicles and spacecraft where precision is critical.
Innovation Solution
A jitter stabilization system is positioned at a shared focus of a focal plane array, allowing the jitter signal to make a double pass through the optical path, interacting with every reflective surface, and is received by a position sensing detector, enabling more accurate jitter measurement and correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a jitter stabilization system is positioned at a shared focus with double-pass optical path, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jitter stabilization system is positioned at a shared focus that is common to both the imaging focal plane array and the jitter measurement position sensing detector. This merging of optical paths allows a single optical system to serve dual purposes: imaging and jitter measurement. The double-pass configuration further merges the measurement path with the imaging path, reducing overall system complexity while improving measurement precision through multiple interactions with reflective surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The shared focus serves both the imaging FPA and the jitter measurement PSD. The same optical path and reflective surfaces are used for both image capture and jitter signal measurement, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate dedicated measurement equipment.
2Measurement precision
If jitter signal makes double pass through optical path contacting every reflective surface, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jitter signal traverses the optical path in a periodic double-pass configuration. The signal reflects off reflective surfaces during the outward pass and then again during the return pass to the PSD. This periodic traversal through the same optical path elements ensures consistent measurement conditions while capturing jitter information from all reflective surfaces in the system.
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 provides a more accurate measurement of jitter, allowing for effective correction and reducing image blur, even in high-performance imaging and tracking sensors, enabling higher bandwidth jitter measurement and correction compared to prior art.
Implementation Method 1
A retroreflector is positioned at the first end of the optical path. The jitter source signal reflects off the retroreflector, the returning jitter signal reflecting off every reflective surface in the optical path when returning to the PSD.
Implementation Method 2
An optical source fiber is configured to receive optical source signals at an input end, transfer the optical source signals along the optical path, and output the optical source signals at an output end.
Implementation Method 3
An optical imager is configured to generate the shared focus and form a focal image on the at least one FPA.
Implementation Method 4
A PSD is configured to receive a returning jitter signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for measuring and removing jitter from an optical sensor includes a jitter stabilization system and at least one focal plane array. The jitter stabilization system is positioned at a shared focus of the focal plane array, which can be generated by an optical imager. A jitter signal of the jitter stabilization system makes a double pass through the system, contacting every reflective surface along the optical path within the system, before returning to a position sensing detector (PSD).