Scaled Earth Observation Imaging System

Advanced electro-optical engineering solution simulating satellite camera capabilities with precision optics

Project Overview

Electro-Optical Engineering Capstone

Designed a scaled optical imaging system to simulate a satellite camera with 15-cm ground resolution, achieving ~1.6-cm resolution at 1 km altitude.

Performed first-order design using ABCD matrix analysis to determine effective focal length, f/#, principal planes, and pupil positions.

Built and optimized the system in Zemax OpticStudio, validating resolution, MTF performance, distortion, and tolerances against design requirements.

Technical Specifications

Resolution

1.6 cm

at 1 km altitude

MTF Performance

>0.5

at Nyquist frequency

Effective Focal Length

250 mm

Primary lens system

Distortion

< 1%

Radial distortion

Design Process

ABCD Matrix Analysis

Performed first-order optical design using ABCD matrix methods to calculate effective focal length, f-number, principal planes, and pupil positions for the optical system.

Zemax OpticStudio Implementation

Built the optical system model in Zemax OpticStudio, implementing all optical elements and materials according to first-order calculations.

Performance Optimization

Optimized lens surfaces and spacings to achieve target resolution and minimize aberrations while maintaining manufacturability constraints.

Validation & Tolerance Analysis

Validated final design against requirements through MTF, distortion, and spot diagram analysis. Conducted tolerance analysis to ensure robust performance.

Performance Results

Modulation Transfer Function

MTF exceeds 0.5 at Nyquist frequency

Distortion Analysis

<1%

Radial distortion maintained below 1%