Coherent Optical Arrays For Space Astronomy

W. A. Traub; H. Gursky

doi:10.1117/12.958777

15 August 1980 Coherent Optical Arrays For Space Astronomy

W. A. Traub, H. Gursky

Proceedings Volume 0228, Active Optical Devices and Applications; (1980) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.958777
Event: 1980 Technical Symposium East, 1980, Washington, D.C., United States

Abstract

The conceptual basis of an orbiting observatory designed for high angular resolution optical astronomy is presented. Operating above the atmosphere, an array with a 15 meter baseline could achieve a one-dimensional angular resolution of 0.005 arc sec in the visible. Broad-band detection from the UV to the near infrared should be possible. To obtain two-dimensional images at high resolution we expect to employ tomographic reconstruction techniques, followed by sidelobe removal if necessary. Active optical elements will be needed in order to maintain coherence of beams in the image plane. The instrument is an optical analog to the Very Large Array in radio astronomy and a space analog to the Multiple Mirror Telescope. Prototype designs consisting of four to six mirrors are discussed for the case of a single shuttle payload.

Citation Download Citation

W. A. Traub and H. Gursky "Coherent Optical Arrays For Space Astronomy", Proc. SPIE 0228, Active Optical Devices and Applications, (15 August 1980); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.958777

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available