Coherent Multiple Aperture Optical Imaging Systems: Analysis and Design.

Abstract

The imaging of simple objects through coherent multiple aperture optical imaging systems was investigated. Multiple aperture telescopes are a candidate technology for the Strategic Defense Initiative missions of surveillance, tracking, and kill assessment. In this thesis, the multiaperture images of edges, slits, rectangles, and circles were theoretically predicted and experimentally produced. Photographs of the actual images produced in the lab were compared to the theoretical images, and the analytical and computer prediction techniques were found to be accurate. All of the results were analyzed to determine how different multiaperture geometries affected the images. It was found that multiaperture geometries affected the images. It was found that multiaperture imaging produces edge enhancement. The position of a single edge could be found exactly, while multiple edges sometimes produced slight edge shifts. A computer program was developed tat predicts that edge shifts that will be observed when imaging through a given multiple aperture. Larger subaperture spacings were found to exhibit better resolution but produced more ringing about the edges. The possibility of rotating the multiple aperture system to gather more information was discussed, as well as designs that include a central subaperture.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA179476

Entities

People

  • Dana J. Bergey

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Air Force
  • Computer Programs
  • Detectors
  • Engineering
  • Geometry
  • Identification
  • Optics
  • Orientation (Direction)
  • Pattern Recognition
  • Recognition
  • Schools
  • Specifications
  • Strategic Defense Initiative
  • Telescopes
  • Two Dimensional
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electromagnetic Wave Scattering and Antenna Radiation Engineering
  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects