Reflective Telescope Extended Field Corrector Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current space-based telescopes lack a wide field of view, which limits their observational efficiency and increases costs associated with space-based operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an afocal telescope system with a set of extended field corrector optics, comprising a convex and concave mirror, positioned to reduce optical aberrations and increase the field of view, along with a tertiary mirror to collimate or focus light, and a fold mirror to maintain a compact footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional telescope optical designs are used, then the telescope structure is relatively simple, but the field of view is limited and optical aberrations are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple functional components: primary mirror, secondary mirror, extended field corrector (EFC) comprising multiple corrector elements, and tertiary mirror. Each segment performs a specific function in controlling light paths and correcting aberrations, enabling wide FOV while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The extended field corrector acts as an intermediary optical system between the secondary mirror and the focal plane. It includes multiple corrector elements that mediate the light paths from different field angles, correcting optical aberrations and enabling wide field of view without requiring complete redesign of the entire telescope
2Productivity
If the field of view is increased, then observational efficiency improves, but the optical aberrations increase and require more complex correction
Solution Approach 1:
The extended field corrector employs elements with locally optimized optical properties. Each corrector element has specific curvature and refractive index characteristics tailored to correct aberrations from particular field regions. This local quality approach allows effective aberration control across the entire wide field of view
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system utilizes parameter changes in the corrector elements, including varying curvature radii, thicknesses, and refractive indices across different corrector components. These parameter variations enable the system to correct spherical aberration, coma, and astigmatism across wide field angles, improving observational efficiency
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple corrector elements are added to achieve wide field of view, then optical aberrations are reduced, but the system complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extended field corrector elements are arranged in a nested configuration where multiple corrector components are positioned along the optical path in sequence. This nesting allows compact packaging of multiple correction functions within the telescope structure, reducing overall size while maintaining aberration correction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The extended field corrector elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they correct spherical aberration, coma, and astigmatism, while also controlling the chief ray angles and maintaining the afocal nature of the telescope. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate correction systems, easing manufacturing and assembly
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 configuration achieves a significantly wider field of view, reducing observation time and costs, while maintaining a compact design suitable for space-based applications, enhancing energy capture and image quality across a broader field.
Implementation Method 1
The set of extended field corrector optics comprises a convex and a concave mirror positioned to reflect light incident from a secondary mirror
Implementation Method 2
the tertiary mirror is characterized by an optical power suitable to collimate light received from the set of extended field corrector optics
Implementation Method 3
the tertiary mirror is characterized by an optical power sufficient to focus light incident from the set of extended field corrector optics onto a detector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B~3C
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing a wider FOV for a telescope system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a telescope includes a primary mirror having an orifice, where an optical path originates from an object positioned in front of the primary mirror and reflects off the primary mirror. A secondary mirror is disposed adjacent to the primary mirror, where the optical path reflects off the secondary mirror and passes through the orifice in the primary mirror. The telescope includes a set of extended field corrector optics disposed along the optical path, the extended field corrector optics positioned to reflect light incident from the secondary mirror, where the set of extended field corrector optics comprises two corrector mirrors. A tertiary mirror is disposed along the optical path and adjacent to the extended field corrector optics, the tertiary mirror positioned to reflect the light incident from the extended field corrector optics.