Gimbaled multispectral imaging system and method
| DWPI Title: Gimbaled multispectral imaging system has beam splitter that partitions light reflected by secondary mirror into first light passing through beam splitter along optical axis and second light reflected by beam splitter along gimbal axis |
| Abstract: A gimbaled multispectral imaging system and method is described herein. In an general embodiment, the gimbaled multispectral imaging system has a cross support that defines a first gimbal axis and a second gimbal axis, wherein the cross support is rotatable about the first gimbal axis. The gimbaled multispectral imaging system comprises a telescope that fixed to an upper end of the cross support, such that rotation of the cross support about the first gimbal axis causes the tilt of the telescope to alter. The gimbaled multispectral imaging system includes optics that facilitate on-gimbal detection of visible light and off-gimbal detection of infrared light. |
| Use: Gimbaled multispectral imaging system. |
| Advantage: The design of imaging system is thermally efficient and reduces mass and power by reducing thermal parasitics between the cooling elements and detectors compared to conventional imaging systems. Obtains improvements in transmission and reduction in self-emission related to the conventional designs by using glasses that are relatively easy to work with and reduces the number of optical elements in the imaging system relative to conventional designs. Reduces both the cost and schedule of manufacturing, aligning and integrating the optical elements relative to conventional designs. The node-based design of the electronics of the imaging system allows electronics to be placed in close proximity to the detectors (both visible and infrared (IR)), and allows the electronics to be positioned as desired on the sensor to enable effective packaging and to use the electronics as balance mass for the gimbal (and reduce cabling). The node-based architecture enables support for different detectors by changing interface boards while retaining all of the core processing boards. Reduces development and production costs and increases flexibility by including node-based electronics with 2 node types and relatively simple interface boards to the detectors. The node-base architecture reduces weight of the system relative to conventional imaging systems, reduces the number and complexity of the cabling (e.g., compared to conventional imaging systems), supports processing growth, and allows for support of different detectors via a simple interface board change. The use of fiber for the mission data reduces the weight, allows for very high data rates within the sensor network, and minimizes electromagnetic interference (EMI). |
| Novelty: The gimbaled multispectral imaging system has a beam splitter (208) set between primary mirror (202) and secondary mirror (204) and on optical axis (108) of telescope. The beam splitter partitions the light reflected by secondary mirror into first light and second light. The first light passes through the beam splitter along optical axis of telescope. The second light is reflected by beam splitter along a gimbal axis orthogonal to optical axis of telescope. The first detector (218) and second detector generate first and second value based upon first and second light, respectively. |
| Filed: 6/12/2014 |
| Application Number: US14303355A |
| Tech ID: SD 12702.1 |
| This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention. |
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