Phased-Array Telescope Beam Combining with Non-Obscured Imager
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phased-array telescopes face challenges in beam combining individual subtelescopes and incorporating a dewar-contained infrared imaging sensor with a cold shield due to obscuration and distortion issues, particularly for larger aperture sizes needed in space-based telescopes.
Innovation Solution
A phased-array telescope design featuring multiple non-obscured, all-reflective subtelescopes and a non-obscured combining imager with aspheric mirrors and movable fold mirrors for phase control, allowing for a real exit pupil and integration of a cold shield within a dewar to improve signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a monolithic light telescope with 10 meter aperture is constructed, then the light-gathering power and resolution improve, but it cannot be transported from earth to space using available launch systems
Solution Approach 1:
The telescope is divided into multiple subtelescopes (typically 4-9) with smaller apertures (e.g., 1-2 meters each) that can be individually launched and assembled in space. These segmented subtelescopes work together through beam combining to achieve the equivalent resolution of a 10-meter aperture telescope, resolving the contradiction between large aperture requirements and launch system limitations.
2Productivity
If conventional phased-array telescope designs are used, then multiple subtelescopes can be combined, but beam combining is difficult to accomplish and there is no real exit pupil for infrared sensor integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension (vertical stacking) for arranging subtelescopes and optical components. Subtelescopes are positioned at different heights and angles, with beams combined through a series of mirrors and beam combiners arranged in three-dimensional space. This spatial arrangement creates a real exit pupil and simplifies the beam combining process by separating optical paths in multiple dimensions rather than relying on complex two-dimensional arrangements.
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 near-perfect image combination and enhances the signal-to-noise ratio by correcting distortions and allowing for the inclusion of an infrared imaging sensor with a cold shield, addressing the limitations of existing phased-array telescopes.
Implementation Method 1
Each light subtelescope comprises at least two fold mirrors for phase control. At least one of the fold mirrors of each light subtelescope is movable with respect to the other optical components of that respective light subtelescope to provide phase control.
Implementation Method 2
Each of the light subtelescopes preferably utilizes multi-mirror reflective optical components, and not refractive optical components. The combining imager also preferably utilizes multi-mirror reflective optical components, and not refractive optical components.
Data Source
AI summary
A phased-array light telescope includes at least two non-obscured light subtelescopes. Each of the light subtelescopes is aimed along a common boresight. The phased-array light telescope further includes a non-obscured combining imager that receives and combines the output beams of the light subtelescopes.