Richard Holmes, Boeing LTS, Michael Roggemann, Michigan Technological University, Michael Werth, Boeing LTS, Jacob Lucas, Boeing LTS, Daniel Thompson, Boeing LTS
Keywords: Adaptive Optics, Imaging, Dim object identification
Abstract:
A detailed wave-optics simulation is used in conjunction with advanced post-processing algorithms to explore the trade space between image post-processing and adaptive optics for improved imaging of low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) targets. Target-based guidestars are required for imaging of most active Earth-orbiting satellites because of restrictions on using laser-backscatter-based guidestars in the direction of such objects. With such target-based guidestars and Maui conditions, it is found that significant reductions in adaptive optics actuator and subaperture density can result in improved imaging of fainter objects. Simulation indicates that elimination of adaptive optics produces sub-optimal results for all of the faint-object cases considered.
Date of Conference: September 19-22, 2017
Track: Poster