Sparse Aperture Image Recovery from Auto and Cross Correlation Data

MZA proposes to evaluate a recently published innovative concept that holds great promise for recovery of space object images from sparse telescope array pupil plane sensor data. The technique exploits both auto and cross correlations of data from two wave front sensors mounted on each telescope that measure the amplitude and phase of reflected laser illumination in each of two orthogonal polarizations. MZA is teamed with the inventors of the concept, Professors Dave Voelz of New Mexico State University and Tim Schulz of Michigan Tech University to evaluate its potential for this application. The evaluations will rely heavily on wave optics computer simulations that include the key features of such an imaging system. Simulated WFS data will be generated and input to the image recovery algorithm, and the estimated images will be compared to the objects used in the simulations to synthesize the data. Parameter studies will address the key technical issues for the approach and identify top level system parameters for a system scalable to the required 10 – 30 meter size. A preliminary experiment plan will be developed to support a possible Phase II to conduct laboratory demonstrations of the concept.