Aperture Partitioning Element Results

Steven Griffin, The Boeing Company, Ryan Swindle, Air Force Research Laboratory, Lauren Schatz, University of Arizona

Keywords: Post processing, imaging

Abstract:

Partitioning the pupil reduces the degree of baseline redundancy, and therefore improves the quality of images that can be obtained from the system. A practical realization of this approach uses an aperture partitioning element at an aft optics pupil of the optical system. This paper describes on-sky testing of a new aperture partitioning element that is completely reflective and reconfigurable. The device uses four independent, annular segments that can be positioned with a high degree of accuracy without impacting optical wavefront of each segment. This mirror has been produced and is currently deployed and working on the 3.6 m telescope. A comparison to a non-partitioned image will illustrate the utility of the hardware in improving image quality.

Date of Conference: September 19-22, 2017

Track: Poster

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