Multiple-sensor telescope with tertiary mirrors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical telescopes face challenges in allowing multiple instruments to simultaneously observe the same field of view with identical optical characteristics, leading to inefficiencies in instrument swapping, calibration, and potential damage during handling, as well as limitations in simultaneous observations.
Innovation Solution
A telescope system with a primary mirror, secondary mirror, and tertiary mirrors configured to create separate real exit pupils and images on flat surfaces, utilizing folding mirrors to position these elements behind the primary mirror, ensuring identical optical and mechanical interfaces for multiple instruments, allowing them to share the field of view without obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple instruments are mounted at a single location with a beam splitter, then simultaneous observations are enabled, but different optical characteristics are introduced due to reflective and transmissive filtering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical path into multiple separate segments, each leading to a different instrument mounting location. Instead of using a beam splitter that divides light into reflected and transmitted paths with different optical characteristics, the system creates multiple independent optical paths that maintain identical optical properties at each instrument interface, enabling simultaneous observations with consistent optical characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces tertiary mirrors as intermediary optical elements that redirect light from the secondary mirror to multiple instrument locations. These tertiary mirrors act as mediators that preserve the optical characteristics while enabling multiple instruments to receive light with identical properties, solving the problem of optical characteristic consistency in multi-instrument configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If instruments are swapped during observation periods, then different instruments can be used, but valuable observation time is lost and calibration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures multiple instrument mounting locations with identical optical interfaces during the telescope design phase. This preliminary action ensures that any instrument can be quickly swapped between locations without requiring recalibration, as the optical characteristics are already matched. Instruments can be prepared in advance and swapped during observation periods without losing valuable observation time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If instruments are handled and swapped, then different instruments can be used, but risk of damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal mounting interfaces that are identical across all instrument locations. This universality means that instruments can be mounted and removed without complex handling procedures, reducing the risk of damage. The standardized interfaces allow instruments to be quickly secured and released without repeated handling, thereby minimizing exposure to damage risks while maintaining full instrument interchangeability.
4Productivity
If the HST optical design is used without real exit pupils, then multiple instruments can observe portions of FOV, but the ability to block off-axis light is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tertiary mirrors as intermediary elements that create real exit pupils in the optical path. These tertiary mirrors are positioned to block off-axis light reflected from internal structures while allowing on-axis light to reach the instruments. This intermediary element solves the problem of off-axis light blocking without compromising the multi-instrument observation 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
Enables simultaneous observations by multiple instruments with identical optical characteristics, reducing instrument swapping time, minimizing risk of damage, and facilitating interchangeable instruments without performance impact, while allowing for efficient observation maneuvers and calibration.
Implementation Method 1
a primary mirror configured to accept at a front surface incoming light from a FOV and reflect the incoming light
Implementation Method 2
a secondary mirror that is coupled to the primary mirror and configured to accept the light reflected by the primary mirror and further reflect the light from the primary mirror
Implementation Method 3
Each tertiary mirror is configured to accept a portion of the light reflected by the second mirror. Each tertiary mirror is also configured to reflect the light so as to form a real exit pupil and create an image on a flat image surface disposed behind the primary mirror
Data Source
AI summary
A telescope is disclosed that includes a primary mirror configured to accept at a front surface incoming light from a field of view (FOV) and reflect the incoming light. The telescope also includes a secondary mirror that is coupled to the primary mirror and configured to accept the light reflected by the primary mirror and further reflect the light from the primary mirror. The telescope also includes one or more tertiary mirrors coupled to and disposed behind the primary mirror. Each tertiary mirror is configured to accept a portion of the light reflected by the second mirror. Each tertiary mirror is also configured to reflect the light so as to form an exit pupil and create an image on a flat image surface disposed behind the primary mirror. Each exit pupil does not overlap another exit pupil.