Planar Optical Telescope Using Waveguide Array for SWaP Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical telescopes face challenges with large size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints, limiting their resolution and cost-effectiveness for space-based and Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) applications, and existing alternatives like photon sieves and metamaterial lenses require long propagation distances.
Innovation Solution
An optical telescope design featuring an array of optical lenslets in a common plane with optical waveguides having a common optical path delay, combined with optical star couplers and detectors, and utilizing photonic layers including delay elements and integrated circuits to form images efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional telescopes use multiple lenses or mirrors along a relatively long image path to achieve high resolution, then image quality is improved, but size, weight, and power (SWaP) increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous optical path of conventional telescopes into discrete waveguide segments. Each waveguide acts as an independent optical channel, allowing the optical system to be segmented into modular units that can be independently optimized and arranged in a compact two-dimensional footprint rather than requiring a long linear path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the one-dimensional linear arrangement of lenses and mirrors in conventional telescopes to a two-dimensional planar array of waveguides. This dimensional change allows the optical path to be folded and compressed into a compact form factor while maintaining the required optical path length for high-resolution imaging.
2Measurement precision
If conventional telescopes use multiple lenses or mirrors along a relatively long image path to achieve high resolution, then image quality is improved, but volume occupied increases to at least D3
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous optical path of conventional telescopes into discrete waveguide segments. Each waveguide acts as an independent optical channel, allowing the optical system to be segmented into modular units that can be independently optimized and arranged in a compact two-dimensional footprint rather than requiring a long linear path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the one-dimensional linear arrangement of lenses and mirrors in conventional telescopes to a two-dimensional planar array of waveguides. This dimensional change allows the optical path to be folded and compressed into a compact form factor while maintaining the required optical path length for high-resolution imaging.
3Length of stationary object
If photon sieves are used to create focused images through interference of all apertures, then a shorter propagation distance is required compared to conventional telescopes, but a relatively long propagation distance is still needed and SWaP is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive interference-based focusing mechanism of photon sieves with an active waveguide-based phase control system. Each waveguide can independently control the phase and amplitude of light, enabling precise focal point control without requiring long propagation distances for natural interference patterns to develop.
4Stability of the object's composition
If metamaterial lenses are used to impart phase on an incoming wavefront for focusing, then focusing capability is achieved, but a relatively long propagation distance is still required and sufficient delay cannot be imparted in broadband applications as lens size grows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous optical path of conventional telescopes into discrete waveguide segments. Each waveguide acts as an independent optical channel, allowing the optical system to be segmented into modular units that can be independently optimized and arranged in a compact two-dimensional footprint rather than requiring a long linear path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic phase control capability through individually addressable waveguides. Each waveguide can be independently modulated in terms of phase, amplitude, and timing, allowing the system to dynamically adjust focusing characteristics and compensate for chromatic aberrations across broadband wavelengths, unlike static metamaterial lenses.
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 design collapses the telescope into a flat panel configuration, offering high magnification and a small form factor with steerable imaging capabilities, suitable for drones or handheld platforms, while maintaining image quality and reducing SWaP.
Implementation Method 1
an array of optical lenslets in a common plane, and a plurality of optical waveguides extending from respective optical lenslets
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of optical waveguides extending from respective optical lenslets and each having a common optical path delay
Implementation Method 3
at least one optical star coupler may be downstream from the plurality of optical waveguides, and an optical detector may be downstream from the at least one optical star coupler and having an optical image formed thereon
Data Source
AI summary
An optical telescope may include an array of optical lenslets in a common plane, and optical waveguides extending from respective optical lenslets and each having a common optical path delay. Further, at least one optical star coupler may be downstream from the optical waveguides, and an optical detector may be downstream from the at least one optical star coupler and having an optical image formed thereon.