Lab-Sponsored Research Achieves "First Light" on Intensity Correlation Imaging Telescope Published May 6, 2008 By Eva Blaylock Space Vehicles Directorate KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Professor David Hyland, an AFRL-funded research scientist at Texas A&M University, achieved "first light" on a ground-based, proof-of-concept telescope system. Designed to enable imaging of objects in geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) via a single, multiple-aperture, low earth orbit satellite, the concept employs multiple "light bucket" telescopes. Also known as intensity correlation imaging telescopes, these devices measure the intensity of incoming light, immediately converting these signals to time-tagged digital data for correlation and processing. Subsequent creation of actual imagery requires complex postprocessing of captured data. This technology establishes the viability of creating very large apertures without complex tooling or nanometer-scale metrology systems. The AFRL-sponsored experiment will initially involve imaging a star with the concept system. During additional experiments, conducted after this preliminary effort, the telescope system will perform planetary and GEO object imaging. Ongoing program activities will leverage an award received from the National Reconnaissance Office Director's Innovation Initiative to pursue further development of the single-satellite, multiple-telescope concept, as well as verification of associated signal-to-noise performance.