Broadband Incoherent Imaging Using Multiple Aperture Optics
Abstract
The theoretical resolution of a multiple mirror telescope can be studied through its Modulation Transfer Function (MTF). Using the figure of merit that the mirrors be moved apart in a manner that would maximize the spatial frequency at which the first zero appears in the MTF, this thesis studied the use of MTF information from multiple wavelengths to delay the appearance of an interior zero in the overall MTF. This would allow the mirrors to be moved further apart and thereby increase the frequency at which the first zero appears in the MTF, increasing the resolving capability of the system. Symmetrical configurations from three to six mirrors were studied. Each configuration was initially manually optimized at three microns, then the system was studied at a three to five micron range to see if the MTF information from other wavelengths would delay the appearance of an interior zero in the overall system MTF, thus allowing an increase in the distance between mirrors. An optimization routine was also employed to see if there were other, nonsymmetrical, mirror configurations that could possibly yield a better theoretical resolution than their symmetrical counterparts. Keywords: Multiaperture, Synthetic Aperture, Incoherent Imaging. (AW)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA215708
Entities
People
- Konrad S. Gruca
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology