Interferometric imaging and stellar interferometry at JPL
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interferometry astronomy optical infrared↗
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NIMBUS: A Near-Infrared Multi-Band Ultraprecise Spectroimager for SOFIA
We present a new and innovative near-infrared multi-band ultraprecise spectroimager (NIMBUS) for SOFIA. This instrument will enable many exciting observations in the new age of precision astronomy. This optical design splits the beam into 8 separate spectral bandpasses, centered around key molecular bands from 1 to 4 microns. Each spectral channel has a wide field of view for simultaneous observations of a reference star that can decorrelate time-variable atmospheric and optical assembly effects, allowing the instrument to achieve ultraprecise photometry for a wide variety of astrophysical sources
McElwain, Michael W.↗
Reliability Test of the Actively Tunable Filter
The middle-wavelength infrared (MWIR) waveband is considered the “spectral fingerprint”for many chemical species. MWIR: 3 –10 μm wavelength range. MWIR imaging devices are important for multispectral imaging, thermography, chemical spectroscopy, surveillance, automotive safety, and astronomy. Tunable optical properties are desired to increase the amount of information that is detectable. Ge2Sb2Te5(GST) is a chalcogenide phase change material (PCM) that has the potential to be used as a compact, solid-state, fast-switching tunable optical filter.
Tunable filter↗
Focal plane optics in far-infrared and submillimeter astronomy
The construction of airborne observatories, high mountain-top observatories, and space observatories designed especially for infrared and submillimeter astronomy has opened fields of research requiring new optical techniques. A typical far-IR photometric study involves measurement of a continuum spectrum in several passbands between approx 30 microns and 1000 microns and diffraction-limited mapping of the source. At these wavelengths, diffraction effects strongly influence the design of the field optics systems which couple the incoming flux to the radiation sensors (cold bolometers). The Airy diffraction disk for a typical telescope at submillimeter wavelengths approx 100 microns-1000 microns is many millimeters in diameter; the size of the field stop must be comparable. The dilute radiation at the stop is fed through a Winston nonimaging concentrator to a small cavity containing the bolometer. The purpose of this paper is to review the principles and techniques of infrared field optics systems, including spectral filters, concentrators, cavities, and bolometers (as optical elements), with emphasis on photometric systems for wavelengths longer than 60 microns.
Hildebrand, R. H.↗
Focal plane optics in far-infrared and submillimeter astronomy
The construction of airborne observatories, high mountain-top observatories, and space observatories designed especially for infrared and submillimeter astronomy has opened fields of research requiring new optical techniques. A typical far-IR photometric study involves measurement of a continuum spectrum in several passbands between approx 30 microns and 1000 microns and diffraction-limited mapping of the source. At these wavelengths, diffraction effects strongly influence the design of the field optics systems which couple the incoming flux to the radiation sensors (cold bolometers). The Airy diffraction disk for a typical telescope at submillimeter wavelengths approx 100 microns-1000 microns is many millimeters in diameter; the size of the field stop must be comparable. The dilute radiation at the stop is fed through a Winston nonimaging concentrator to a small cavity containing the bolometer. The purpose of this paper is to review the principles and techniques of infrared field optics systems, including spectral filters, concentrators, cavities, and bolometers (as optical elements), with emphasis on photometric systems for wavelengths longer than 60 microns.
Hildebrand, R. H.↗
Electro-Formed Mirrors for Both X-Ray and Visible Astronomy
The Space Optics Manufacturing Technology Center of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center is involved in the development of nickel and nickel alloy electroformed mirrors for rapid production of space-based optical systems. The current state of the process is discussed- for both cylindrical x-ray mirrors and normal incidence mirrors for visible and infrared applications.
Ritter, J.↗
Construction of Prototype Lightweight Mirrors
This contract and the work described was in support of a Seven Segment Demonstrator (SSD) and demonstration of a different technology for construction of lightweight mirrors. The objectives of the SSD were to demonstrate functionality and performance of a seven segment prototype array of hexagonal mirrors and supporting electromechanical components which address design issues critical to space optics deployed in large space based telescopes for astronomy and for optics used in spaced based optical communications systems. The SSD was intended to demonstrate technologies which can support the following capabilities; Transportation in dense packaging to existing launcher payload envelopes, then deployable on orbit to form space telescope with large aperture. Provide very large (less than 10 meters) primary reflectors of low mass and cost. Demonstrate the capability to form a segmented primary or quaternary mirror into a quasi-continuous surface with individual subapertures phased so that near diffraction limited imaging in the visible wavelength region is achieved. Continuous compensation of optical wavefront due to perturbations caused by imperfections, natural disturbances, and equipment induced vibrations/deflections to provide near diffraction limited imaging performance in the visible wavelength region. Demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating such systems with reduced mass and cost compared to past approaches. While the SSD could not be expected to satisfy all of the above capabilities, the intent was to start identifying and understanding new technologies that might be applicable to these goals.
Robinson, William G.↗
Adaptive Full Aperture Wavefront Sensor Study
This grant and the work described was in support of a Seven Segment Demonstrator (SSD) and review of wavefront sensing techniques proposed by the Government and Contractors for the Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST) Program. A team developed the SSD concept. For completeness, some of the information included in this report has also been included in the final report of a follow-on contract (H-27657D) entitled "Construction of Prototype Lightweight Mirrors". The original purpose of this GTRI study was to investigate how various wavefront sensing techniques might be most effectively employed with large (greater than 10 meter) aperture space based telescopes used for commercial and scientific purposes. However, due to changes in the scope of the work performed on this grant and in light of the initial studies completed for the NGST program, only a portion of this report addresses wavefront sensing techniques. The wavefront sensing techniques proposed by the Government and Contractors for the NGST were summarized in proposals and briefing materials developed by three study teams including NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, TRW, and Lockheed-Martin. In this report, GTRI reviews these approaches and makes recommendations concerning the approaches. The objectives of the SSD were to demonstrate functionality and performance of a seven segment prototype array of hexagonal mirrors and supporting electromechanical components which address design issues critical to space optics deployed in large space based telescopes for astronomy and for optics used in spaced based optical communications systems. The SSD was intended to demonstrate technologies which can support the following capabilities: Transportation in dense packaging to existing launcher payload envelopes, then deployable on orbit to form a space telescope with large aperture. Provide very large (greater than 10 meters) primary reflectors of low mass and cost. Demonstrate the capability to form a segmented primary or quaternary mirror into a quasi-continuous surface with individual subapertures phased so that near diffraction limited imaging in the visible wavelength region is achieved. Continuous compensation of optical wavefront due to perturbations caused by imperfections, natural disturbances, and equipment induced vibrations/deflections to provide near diffraction limited imaging performance in the visible wavelength region. Demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating such systems with reduced mass and cost compared to past approaches.
Robinson, William G.↗
Quest for ultrahigh resolution in X-ray optics
A program of solar X-ray astronomy using grazing incidence optics has culminated in X-ray images of the corona having one arc second spatial resolution. These images have demonstrated that, in general, X-ray optics can be fabricated to their specifications and can provide the level of resolution for which they are designed. Several aspects of these programs relating to the performance of X-ray optics in regard to resolution, including the point response function, the variation of resolution with off-axis position and the recognition that nearly all solar X-ray images have been film limited, are discussed. By extending the experience gained on this and other programs it is clearly possible to design and fabricate X-ray optics with sub arc sec resolution. The performance required to meet the scientific objectives for the remainder of the century are discussed in relation to AXIO, an Advanced X-Ray Imaging Observatory for solar observations which is proposed for flight on the Space Shuttle. Several configurations of AXIO are described, each of which would be a major step in the quest for ultrahigh-resolution observations.
Davis, J. M.↗
Review of grazing incidence optics fabrication techniques for X-ray astronomy
This paper covers the various techniques that are currently being used and developed to fabricate grazing incidence X-ray optics for the energy range from about 0.2 to 20 keV. Techniques covered will include diamond turning, thin foils, epoxy/carbon-fiber replication, electroforming replication, and float glass/Kirkpatrick-Baez techniques.
Ulmer, Melville P.↗
Infrared astronomy - Scientific/military thrusts and instrumentation; Proceedings of the Meeting, Washington, DC, April 21, 22, 1981
A series of papers on infrared astronomy is presented. Among the topics discussed are those concerning programs, such as NASA's planning, the Cosmic Background Explorer and a cryogenic infrared radiance instrument for the Space Shuttle. Articles on infrared astronomy technology include those on an infrared camera for 10-micron astronomy, bulk and integrated acousto-optic spectrometers for molecular astronomy with heterodyne spectrometers, and airborne measurements of infrared atmospheric radiance and sky noise. Several papers on infrared astronomy spectroscopy are included, such as infrared heterodyne spectroscopy and infrared lines from shocked galactic gases. Among the articles on infrared astronomy catalogues and operations are discussions of groundbased infrared measurements using the AMOS/MOTIF facility and the prediction of infrared celestial source counts.
Boggess, N. W.↗
Design and fabrication of a CCD camera for use with relay optics in solar X-ray astronomy
Configured as a subsystem of a sounding rocket experiment, a camera system was designed to record and transmit an X-ray image focused on a charge coupled device. The camera consists of a X-ray sensitive detector and the electronics for processing and transmitting image data. The design and operation of the camera are described. Schematics are included.
Source record↗
The Fabrication of Replicated Optics for Hard X-Ray Astronomy
We describe the fabrication process for producing shallow-graze-angle mirrors for hard x-ray astronomy. This presentation includes the generation of the necessary super-polished mandrels, their metrology, and the subsequent mirror shell electroforming and testing.
Speegle, C. O.↗
The Fabrication of Replicated Optics for Hard X-Ray Astronomy
We describe the fabrication process for producing shallow-graze-angle mirrors for hard x-ray astronomy. This presentation includes the generation of the necessary super-polished mandrels, their metrology, and the subsequent mirror shell electroforming and testing.
Speegle, C. O.↗
Optics Requirements for X-Ray Astronomy and Developments at the Marshall Space Flight Center
No abstract available
Ramsey, Brian D.↗
Space optics; Proceedings of the Seminar, Huntsville, Ala., May 22-24, 1979
The seminar focused on infrared systems, the space telescope, new design for space astronomy, future earth resources systems, and planetary systems. Papers were presented on infrared astronomy satellite, infrared telescope on Spacelab 2, design alternatives for the Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility, Spacelab 2 infrared telescope cryogenic system, geometrical theory of diffraction and telescope stray-light analysis, Space Telescope scientific instruments, faint-object spectrograph for the Space Telescope, light scattering from multilayer optics, bidirectional reflectance distribution function measurements of stray light suppression coatings for the Space Telescope, optical fabrication of a 60-in. mirror, interferogram analysis for space optics, nuclear-pumped lasers for space application, geophysical fluid flow experiment, coherent rays for optical astronomy in space, optical system with fiber-optical elements, and Pioneer-Venus solar flux radiometer.
Wyman, C. L.↗
Design and Analysis of Modules for Segmented X-Ray Optics
Future X-ray astronomy missions demand thin, light, and closely packed optics which lend themselves to segmentation of the annular mirrors and, in turn, a modular approach to the mirror design. The modular approach to X-ray Flight Mirror Assembly (FMA) design allows excellent scalability of the mirror technology to support a variety of mission sizes and science objectives. This paper describes FMA designs using slumped glass mirror segments for several X-ray astrophysics missions studied by NASA and explores the driving requirements and subsequent verification tests necessary to qualify a slumped glass mirror module for space-flight. A rigorous testing program is outlined allowing Technical Development Modules to reach technical readiness for mission implementation while reducing mission cost and schedule risk.
McClelland, Ryan S.↗