Star Tracker Optical Image Detection Using Multi-Dimensional Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional celestial-aided navigation and star tracker systems require large, costly detector arrays to measure small differential angles within a large field of view, leading to inefficient space utilization, high power consumption, and financial costs.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a multi-dimensional translation device with an optical image detector and an objective lens configured to focus a collimated beam of light, allowing for precise detection of celestial bodies within a large field of regard while minimizing size, weight, and power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If very large detector arrays are used to measure small differential angles within a large field of view, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity, space utilization, power consumption, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional detector array to a three-dimensional solution by introducing a spatial light modulator that operates in the optical path. This allows the system to achieve the functionality of a large 2D array using a smaller 3D structure with programmable phase modulation, effectively adding a temporal/dynamical dimension to the detection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by using phase modulation instead of direct intensity detection. The spatial light modulator introduces phase shifts that encode angular information, allowing precise differential angle measurements to be achieved through interferometric detection rather than requiring a large physical detector array.
2Measurement precision
If very large detector arrays are used to differentiate celestial bodies within a large field of regard, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static 2D detector array with a dynamic 3D optical processing system using a spatial light modulator. This allows the same measurement precision to be achieved with significantly fewer physical detectors, reducing the power required for readout and signal processing while maintaining the ability to differentiate celestial bodies across a large field of regard.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/electrical detector array with an optical processing approach using phase modulation and interferometry. This substitution reduces power consumption by eliminating the need for high-power readout electronics associated with large detector arrays while maintaining measurement precision through optical field interactions.
3Measurement precision
If very large detector arrays are used to detect optical images within a large field of view, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases due to inefficient space utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a spatial light modulator that operates in the optical path to create virtual detector elements through phase modulation. This 3D optical approach achieves the equivalent of a large 2D detector array footprint by utilizing the optical field's phase dimension, thereby dramatically improving space utilization efficiency while maintaining optical image detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The spatial light modulator serves multiple functions: it acts as a programmable phase mask, a beam steering device, and a virtual detector array all in one component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate large-scale detector arrays and associated support structures, improving space utilization while maintaining measurement precision across the large field of view.
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 accurate detection of celestial bodies with reduced system size, weight, and power consumption, achieving differential angle measurements with uncertainty less than 1 μrad within a 120-degree field of view, thereby optimizing resource utilization and cost.
Implementation Method 1
an objective lens coupled to the optical image detector and configured to focus a collimated beam of light on the optical image detector
Data Source
AI summary
An optical image tracker is disclosed. The optical image tracker includes a multi-dimensional translation stage. An optical image detector is disposed on a surface of the multi-dimensional translation stage. An objective lens is coupled to the optical image detector and configured to focus a collimated beam of light on the optical image detector, wherein the collimated beam of light includes a specific field of view within a field of regard, and the multi-dimensional translation stage is configured to position the optical image detector to detect the collimated beam of light.