Coherent Multiple Aperture Optical Imaging Systems: Analysis and Design

摘要

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. 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.