Laser metrology for coherent multi-telescope arrays

Details Laser metrology for coherent multi-telescope arrays Laser metrology for coherent multi-telescope arrays

1990-05-16

1993-05-04

Turner, Samuel A.

Optics: measuring and testing

By dispersed light spectroscopy

Utilizing a spectrometer

356153, G01B 1102

Patent

active

052086542

ABSTRACT:
In multi-telescope arrays that comprise multiple telescopes, a beam-combining module, and flat mirrors for directing light beams from the multiple telescopes to the beam combining module, a laser metrology system is used for monitoring various pathlengths along a beam path where deviations are likely. Some pathlengths are defined simply by a pair of retroreflectors or reflectors at both ends. Lengths between pairs of retroreflectors are measured and monitored by laser interferometers. One critical pathlength deviation is related to the displacement of the flat mirror. A reference frame is set up relative to the beam-combining module to form and define the coordinate system within which the positions of the flat mirrors are measured and monitored. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of retroreflectors along the optical axis of the beam-combining module defines a reference frame. A triangle is formed by the reference frame as the base and another retroreflector at the flat mirror as the vertex. The triangle is used to monitor the position of the flat mirror. A beam's pathlength is dynamically corrected in response to the monitored deviations.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4326800 (1982-04-01), Fitts
Golay, "Point Arrays Having Compact, Nonredundant Autocorrelations", Letter in J. Opt. Soc. Am., vol. 61, No. 2, Feb. 1971, pp. 272-273.
Miller, "Noise Considerations in Stellar Speckle Interferometry", J. Opt. Soc. Am., vol. 67, No. 9, Sep. 1977, pp. 1176-1184.
Weaver et al., "Design Considerations for Multiple Telescope Imaging Arrays", Optical Engineering, vol. 27, No. 9, Sep. 1988, pp. 730-735.
Harvey et al., "Performance Characteristics of Phased Array and Thinned Aperture Telescopes", Optical Engineering, vol. 27, No. 9, Sep. 1988, pp. 762-768.
Roddier, "Interferometric Imaging in Optical Astronomy", Physics Reports, vol. 170, No. 2, Nov. 1988, pp. 98-166.
Massie et al., "Low-Cost, High-Resolution Telescopes for Imaging Low-Earth Orbit Satellites," SPIE Conf. Paper, Tucson, Arizona, Feb. 1990.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Laser metrology for coherent multi-telescope arrays does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Laser metrology for coherent multi-telescope arrays, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Laser metrology for coherent multi-telescope arrays will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1978594