Home Island: Hawai’i
High School: Waiakea High School
Institute when accepted: University of Hawai’i at Hilo
An Interactive Analytical Tool for Optical Systems Evaluation
Project Site: Pacific Defense Solutions, LLC
Mentor: Dennis Douglas
There is a disparity between first-order optics (geometric or ray-tracing) computer models and rigorous wave-optics simulations. In order to bridge the gap between the two distinct types of optical models, Pacific Defense Solutions, LLC needed an analysis tool to identify the resolution limits and explore capabilities of existing and potential future optical systems. Furthermore, the tool required implementation in a MATLAB GUI environment, and it needed the capability to model both wide and narrow field-of-view systems. Hence, a new interactive tool has been developed that allows the user to quickly change system parameters, such as telescope type, sensor type, static wavefront error, system jitter, atmospheric seeing conditions, and overall system transmission. The main interface takes in parameters through a number of different input modules presented to the user as separate GUI windows. Using these parameters, the tool performs a series of analytical calculations based on vetted transfer functions to generate performance metrics of the given system, including an image of the final point-spread function. After being compiled in MATLAB, the tool will be tested on multiple computer platforms for consistency of the user interface and accuracy of plots and data. Once completed, the tool will guide users in designing optical system configurations that fit their particular requirements, and it will also provide a starting point for wave-optics simulations. The completed tool is expected to be released in January 2012.