Diffractive Optics To Reduce Mass Of Satellite-Based High-Resolution Imaging Systems By 100 Times

A group of scientists of Samara National Research University (Samara, Russia) are creating ultralight diffractive optics for use in high-resolution satellite-based imagers that will reduce optical-system mass by a factor of 100.

The researchers developed techniques for manufacturing a 256 layer diffraction harmonic lens, as well as the algorithms for reconstructing the obtained images. This optical element, created by the research group of the university’s Department of Supercomputers and General Informatics, has a mass of only 5 g and replaces a complex and massive system of lenses and mirrors similar to that used in telephoto lenses with a focal length of 300 mm and a mass of 500 grams.

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