Toby Sanders, Lickenbrock Technologies, Inc.; Robert Hedges, Lickenbrock Technologies, Inc.; Timothy Schulz, Michigan Technological University; Melena Abijaoude, Lickenbrock Technologies, Inc.; John Peters, Lickenbrock Technologies, Inc.; Michael Steinbock, AFRL/RDSS; Timothy Holmes, Lickenbrock Technologies, Inc.
Keywords: Blind Deconvolution, Adaptive Optics
Abstract:
A system is under research and development that will produce and display deconvolved images of low earth orbiting objects during fly over. The goal of the first product delivery is 2 frames per second when the image frames are 512×512 and the telescope operates with adaptive optics. The target system is the 3.5 meter telescope of the Starfire Optical Range. The efforts have focused on issues that include, (1), speed of computation, (2), noise suppression, and (3), dynamic range degradation due to glint. The solution includes an improved variation of the multiframe blind deconvolution algorithm designed by one of the research team. The new variation has a speed advantage in that it requires less computation compared to its predecessor version. The foundation of the algorithm is the maximum likelihood estimation for the Poisson noise model. Fixed point iterations solve the objective function optimization. Part of the speed solution is the incorporation of Graphical Processing Units (GPUs) operating in parallel that serve as massively parallel processors. Another part of the speed solution is the design of optimization strategies that accelerate the convergence of the solution. The first prototype of the system was delivered to the Starfire Optical Range. Tests show that the frame rate of 2 frames per second is achievable with the current version of the system and future versions will be faster. A prototype variation of the algorithm for subpixel resolution is presented along with compelling examples in simulations and real case use. Finally, a new post-processing visual enhancement technique is proposed with several examples, which in part helps deal with the dynamic range degradation due to glint. Later versions of the system will target other ground-based telescope systems, including those without adaptive optics. The system may be extended, as well, for astronomical imaging and space telescopes.
Date of Conference: September 15-18, 2020
Track: Adaptive Optics & Imaging