'Ivory': Optomechanical modeling of an optical image correlator

Alson E. Hatheway

doi:10.1117/12.619589

18 August 2005 'Ivory': Optomechanical modeling of an optical image correlator

Alson E. Hatheway

Proceedings Volume 5867, Optical Modeling and Performance Predictions II; 58670E (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.619589
Event: Optics and Photonics 2005, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

"Ivory" is a computer code that generates Optomechanical Constraint Equations (OCE) from the optical physical prescription data. The OCE predict the translation, rotation and size change of an optical image from the motions, temperature changes and other factors affecting the optical elements forming the image. An airborne optical image correlator has been designed and built for UAV applications. Commercially available optical components were used throughout. The centerpiece of the mechanical design was control of the manufacturing and assembly tolerances to assure precise alignment and stable image registration for high performance operation. Control was maintained during the design and manufacturing process by the use of optomechanical models based upon the Optomechanical Constraint Equations (OCE). The equations provided a comprehensive optomechanical model that related the critical optical functions (images and diffraction patterns) to the translation and rotation (dimensions and tolerances) of all the piece-parts. The equations also modeled the thermal and wavelength stability of the correlator. Engineers may generate the OCE by longhand calculations or in a computer spreadsheet. For larger optical systems this can be very time consuming. Ivory automates the generation of the OCE for the engineer making timely and accurate calculations of the image registration errors possible, even for very complex optical systems. This paper shows the application of the OCE to a variety of challenges in the optical image correlator: athermalization, alignment procedures, optical and mechanical tolerance budgets, optimizing the folded geometry and sizing alignment mechanisms.

Citation Download Citation

Alson E. Hatheway "'Ivory': Optomechanical modeling of an optical image correlator", Proc. SPIE 5867, Optical Modeling and Performance Predictions II, 58670E (18 August 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.619589

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KEYWORDS

Optical correlators

Tolerancing

Optical components

Image registration

Mirrors

Imaging systems

Optical alignment

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