Imaging quality of optically transparent antennas on shared apertures

Zachary J. Silva; Christopher R. Valenta

doi:10.1117/12.2603967

14 November 2021 Imaging quality of optically transparent antennas on shared apertures

Zachary J. Silva, Christopher R. Valenta

Proceedings Volume 11914, SPIE Future Sensing Technologies 2021; 1191410 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2603967
Event: SPIE Future Sensing Technologies, 2021, Online Only

Abstract

Optically transparent antennas integrated within an optical aperture enable unique opportunities for shared aperture radio frequency (RF)/electro-optical(EO)/infra-red (IR) sensing and communication. While optical transmission and RF efficiency are critical performance metrics for most applications, those applications with optical imaging requirements necessitate additional imaging quality considerations. This work will present initial investigations into the effects of micromesh antenna elements utilized in a common aperture. Simulated imaging performance as a function of micro-mesh design indicates that as the mesh fill factor increases, the imaging quality as well as the optical transmission decrease. Fill factor increase has also been previously associated with increased RF performance. Specifically, for a 0.5 inch diameter optical aperture with a fill factor of 0.05, a 5% reduction in peak point spread function (PSF) and a 13% reduction in contrast in group-2 of the USAF-1951 resolution chart is presented. The obstruction from the solid topology causes a significant 75% reduction in the PSF. This degradation can be used as an additional metric to evaluate and optimize a hybrid aperture.

Citation Download Citation

Zachary J. Silva and Christopher R. Valenta "Imaging quality of optically transparent antennas on shared apertures", Proc. SPIE 11914, SPIE Future Sensing Technologies 2021, 1191410 (14 November 2021); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2603967

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