Optical system design based on DMD and triple-pass TIR prism for asteroid exploration

Area of Science:

• Deep space exploration
• Asteroid exploration optics

Background:

• Asteroid exploration is a key research area in 21st-century deep space exploration.
• Existing optical systems face limitations in resolution, size, and flexibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an integrated optical system for asteroid exploration.
• To enhance navigation, high-resolution imaging, and hyperspectral data acquisition capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a digital micromirror device (DMD) for pixel-level light modulation.
• Introduced a novel triple-pass total internal reflection (TIR) prism to overcome DMD deflection angle limitations.
• Achieved co-aperture design for imaging and hyperspectral branches, optimizing a new triple-pass TIR prism to correct optical aberrations and ensure a lightweight, compact system.

Main Results:

• The system integrates navigation, imaging, and hyperspectral acquisition.
• Achieved co-aperture design for high-resolution imaging and hyperspectral branches.
• Optimized triple-pass TIR prism corrects coma and astigmatism, resulting in a compact, lightweight design.

Conclusions:

• The developed optical system offers significant advantages over existing asteroid exploration systems.
• Key benefits include a compact structure, no moving parts, and high spatial and spectral resolution.
• The system provides more flexible imaging modes for asteroid exploration missions.