Photonic Synthesis Telescope Array for Large Aperture Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and technical challenges of building large aperture telescopes make them inaccessible for many researchers, necessitating the development of cost-effective methods to achieve similar observational capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A photonic synthesis telescope array system utilizing a switchable multi-fiber coupler and focal plane package to combine signals from multiple telescopes, allowing for independent focus and pointing control, and enabling the creation of a large aperture telescope through modular architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large aperture telescope is built, then the light collection capability and resolution are improved, but the cost and technical difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a large aperture telescope into multiple smaller telescope units that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each telescope unit has its own focal plane package with optical fibers, and they are combined through a multi-fiber coupler to achieve the equivalent optical performance of a large aperture telescope without the complexity of building a single large structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple telescope units with their respective optical fibers into a single effective aperture through a multi-fiber coupler. The optical signals from multiple telescopes are merged and focused onto a single detector, achieving the light collection capability and resolution of a large aperture telescope while using smaller, more manageable components
2Quantity of substance
If a large aperture telescope is built, then the light collection capability is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light collection function across multiple smaller telescopes instead of requiring one large expensive telescope. Each telescope collects light independently and the signals are combined, achieving equivalent total light collection at lower individual component costs and reduced overall project expense
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple copies of identical or similar telescope units rather than one unique large telescope design. This standardization allows for economies of scale, reduced manufacturing costs, and easier maintenance, achieving the same light collection capability at lower cost
3Area of stationary object
If multiple telescopes are combined into an array, then the large aperture capability is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a multi-fiber coupler as an intermediary device that simplifies the combination of multiple telescopes. Instead of requiring complex mechanical or optical alignment systems, the coupler directly combines the optical fiber outputs from each telescope, reducing system complexity while achieving the large aperture effect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment and beam combining systems with an optical fiber-based system. The fiber optic connections provide stable, precise alignment without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the large aperture capability
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 allows for the creation of a cost-effective large aperture telescope capable of performing spectroscopic and high time-resolution measurements, facilitating applications such as transient spectroscopy and satellite spectroscopy, while maintaining flexibility and scalability.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber feed configured to provide a an optical signal to an optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a telescope array and related components and methods. In various embodiments, the telescope array may include a plurality of telescopes, each telescope associated with a focal plane package and a telescope control system configured to control the focus and tracking of the telescope, such that each telescope may be independently focused and pointed. The focal plane package may comprise an optical fiber feed configured to provide a an optical signal to an optical fiber; and a mirror array configured to provide two shifted simultaneous signals to an image capture device. The telescope array may further comprise at least one switchable multi-fiber coupler configured to couple the signals of at least some of the plurality of telescopes and an array control system in communication with each of the telescope control systems.