Two-Point Resolution Criterion for Multi-Aperture Optical Systems

摘要

Two point resolution criteria is the classic way of comparing telescopes. However, the standard two point resolution criterion is not appropriate for multi-aperture systems. This paper proposes a new two point resolution criterion based on the idea of thresholding the irradiances of the resulting far field diffraction patterns of multi-aperture optical systems. The threshold was defined as a fraction of the central lobe irradiance. The thresholds varied from 0.1 to 0.9 of the central lobe irradiance of the far field diffraction patterns. Theoretical data of normalized irradiance versus point separation for various multi-aperture optical systems were presented. The two point resolution for these configuration was analyzed. The two point resolution criterion using thresholds was demonstrated. The threshold criterion provided the information necessary to compare the two point resolution performance of a particular multi-aperture optical system illuminated coherently and incoherently. Also, this criterion allowed the comparison of the two point resolution performance of systems composed of three, four, and six subapertures illuminated incoherently. (Theses)