Quad-axis Coudé Optical Path for Telescope Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quad-axis mounted telescopes are limited in their ability to direct a beam to a focal plane at a predetermined region due to the orientation of the telescope, restricting the use of larger and heavier scientific analysis equipment.
Innovation Solution
An optics system with a quad-axis Coudé optical path featuring a plurality of mirrors arranged around orthogonal rotational axes, allowing the beam to be directed to a predetermined region irrespective of the telescope's orientation, utilizing a configuration of at least seven mirrors that include flat and curved mirrors positioned at specific rotational axes and rotational mechanisms for adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the telescope orientation is fixed to direct the beam to a focal plane, then the beam can be focused at a predetermined region, but the telescope cannot track satellites in different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the optical path adaptable through four rotational axes with multiple mirrors that can be positioned at different angles. This allows the system to dynamically adjust the beam path according to satellite position while maintaining focus at the predetermined focal plane, resolving the contradiction between fixed orientation and tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path is segmented into multiple independent mirror assemblies, each capable of rotation about specific axes. This segmentation allows individual mirrors to be adjusted independently to redirect the beam to the focal plane regardless of telescope orientation, enabling both precise focusing and satellite tracking
2Power
If larger and heavier scientific analysis equipment is mounted to the bottom of the telescope, then more powerful analysis capabilities are achieved, but the mount cannot support the weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical path system with multiple mirrors that acts as a mediator between the telescope and the scientific analysis equipment. This allows the equipment to be positioned at a predetermined focal plane rather than directly on the telescope bottom, enabling the use of heavier equipment that would otherwise exceed the mount's weight capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spatial dimension by extending the optical path through multiple reflections along four rotational axes. This allows the scientific analysis equipment to be positioned at a remote focal plane rather than being constrained to the telescope bottom, effectively moving the equipment to a different spatial dimension where weight constraints are reduced
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
Enables the use of larger and heavier scientific analysis equipment by ensuring the light beam can be focused to a focal plane regardless of the telescope's orientation, expanding the capabilities for astronomical viewing and light analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an optics system having a plurality of mirrors arranged around and centered about four orthogonal, rotational axes in a quad-axis Coudé optical path
Data Source
AI summary
An optics system, a telescope system, and an optics system for a telescope are provided. The optics system may include a plurality of mirrors arranged around and centered about four orthogonal, rotational axes in a quad-axis Coudé optical path. The rotational axes are consecutively dependent on one another, and the plurality of mirrors direct light to a predetermined region irrespective of an orientation of an incident beam directed to the plurality of mirrors.