Stray light control for the space-agile optical system with a pointing mirror

Area of Science:

• Optical Engineering
• Space Systems Engineering
• Astrophysical Instrumentation

Background:

• Space-agile optical composite detection (SOCD) systems require precise light detection.
• Stray light can degrade signal quality in low-illuminance, high-dynamic-range scenarios.
• Pointing mirrors and long optical paths in SOCD systems complicate stray light suppression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze stray light challenges in SOCD systems.
• To design and evaluate methods for effective stray light suppression.
• To improve the reliability and performance of SOCD systems.

Main Methods:

• Detailed stray light analysis, including optical structure layout and index decomposition.
• Design and simulation of a special-shaped aperture diaphragm and entrance baffle.
• Black baffle surface testing, selection, and performance analysis.

Main Results:

• The special-shaped entrance baffle significantly suppresses stray light.
• The proposed method reduces SOCD system dependence on platform posture.
• Optical processing and roughness control indices were decomposed and analyzed.

Conclusions:

• A special-shaped entrance baffle is a viable solution for stray light suppression in SOCD systems.
• The developed methods enhance the robustness and accuracy of space-based optical detection.
• Optimized stray light control is crucial for the performance of agile space optical systems.