Patent ID: 6837586
Filing Date: 2005-01-04
Classification: G01J,G02B

Abstract:
1. A multi-aperture interferometric optical system formed of multiple sets of mirrors mounted on support structures operatively coupled to a platform, the optical system defining a system optical axis and the multiple sets of mirrors cooperating to point the system optical axis at an angle relative to nadir without moving the platform on which the optical system is supported, comprising: a first set of primary mirrors arranged along a first periphery to receive incident electromagnetic radiation propagating from a target subject to be imaged, the primary mirrors operatively associated with a first positioning mechanism to effect directional pointing of the system optical axis toward the target subject; a detector configured to acquire radiation pattern information from the electromagnetic radiation received from the target subject; a second set of secondary mirrors arranged along a second periphery and a third set of tertiary mirrors arranged along a third periphery, the second and the third sets of mirrors positioned to receive electromagnetic radiation reflected by the primary mirrors receiving the incident electromagnetic radiation and to steer the reflected radiation for radiation pattern information acquisition by the detector, the second and the third sets of mirrors being operatively associated with second and third positioning mechanisms to contribute to adjustment of optical path lengths and preservation of a common effective focal length of the radiation reflected by the primary mirrors and incident on the detector; and a quaternary mirror set positioned to receive the radiation steered by the second and third sets of mirrors and direct it toward the detector for radiation pattern information acquisition.