Phase theory for multiple aperture systems

Erin M. Sabatke, Jose M. Sasian

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

We establish the groundwork for a phase theory applicable to multiple-aperture systems. To do this, we define ideal behavior as the phase behavior of an off-axis system that has inherent rotational symmetry. Then we examine the phase behavior of a more general system that has only a single plane of symmetry. This system represents a branch of an actual synthetic aperture system. The comparison of the two systems leads to conditions for which the plane symmetric system has ideal behavior. As a result of this comparison, design rules that are commonly applied to multiple aperture systems appear naturally, including the well-known requirement that the exit pupil is a scaled copy of the entrance pupil. The theory also shows that in reflective synthetic telescopes, fewer mirrors are required to achieve ideal behavior if the minors are off-axis sections of an axially-symmetric parent system, rather than on-axis mirrors. The phase theory that we present is cohesive, provides useful design guidelines, and can be considered an addition to wave aberration theory.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)6-17
Number of pages12
JournalProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume4091
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000
EventImaging Technology and Telescopes - San Diego, CA, USA
Duration: Jul 30 2000Jul 31 2000

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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