Project number
27074
Organization
Rocket Lab
Offering
ENGR498-F2026-S2027
Camera systems with automated detection algorithms are utilized in many technical disciplines, from fulfilment services to self-driving cars to space telescopes. Focal planes are the photosensitive component used to convert photons into electrical signals. Selecting the correct focal plane for the specific application is imperative; that selection process starts with understanding the way these focal planes respond to different types of radiation, temporal and spatial frequency content, operating temperatures, and varying light levels. Variations in quantum efficiency, noise characteristics, focal plane MTF, and other factors can critically impact the performance of an optical system.
Rocket Lab Optical Systems specializes in space based optical payloads for scientific and defense applications. The payloads developed by Rocket Lab use well characterized, well understood focal planes to optimize the performance of imaging and detection algorithms. Future space missions require the ability to quickly and accurately characterize focal planes in a repeatable, affordable, and modular way. Student engineers will work alongside Rocket Lab scientists and engineers to develop the next generation, modular, versatile, and accurate focal plane characterization platform.
Scope: (1) Work with students to understand current characterization method utilized by Rocket Lab Optical Systems. Students will be provided with synthetic datasets representing a typical focal plane characterization campaign and what additional information may be useful for optical scientists and algorithmists. (2) Evaluate techniques utilized by the industry and perform a trade study comparing the different approaches based on cost, schedule feasibility, quality of test data, and technical execution difficulty. (3) Down select to a platform and design the electronics, optics, mechanics, and software required to satisfy the focal place characterization platform requirements. The system designed by the team will evaluate focal plane linearity, different gain states of the focal plane, quantum efficiency, noise characteristics, and MTF, with the ability for the focal plane assembly to be tested at different operational temperatures. (4) Build data simulators and representative models of the optical test stations and focal planes to be tested to give representative data that can be evaluated using the test algorithms. (5) Build a production prototype system, complete with optical, mechanical, and electrical diagrams, as clearly documented databasing architecture for the output data. This platform may consist of multiple stations incorporated into the prototype assembly (think linearity station versus MTF station). (6) Collect complete datasets on several real sensors. Implement automatic report writing, dataset error detector with error identification. Compare real data to simulated data. (7) Create plans to refine the prototype into a scalable platform for higher volume production. (8) Deliver and set up station at Rocket Lab Optical Systems.
Rocket Lab Optical Systems specializes in space based optical payloads for scientific and defense applications. The payloads developed by Rocket Lab use well characterized, well understood focal planes to optimize the performance of imaging and detection algorithms. Future space missions require the ability to quickly and accurately characterize focal planes in a repeatable, affordable, and modular way. Student engineers will work alongside Rocket Lab scientists and engineers to develop the next generation, modular, versatile, and accurate focal plane characterization platform.
Scope: (1) Work with students to understand current characterization method utilized by Rocket Lab Optical Systems. Students will be provided with synthetic datasets representing a typical focal plane characterization campaign and what additional information may be useful for optical scientists and algorithmists. (2) Evaluate techniques utilized by the industry and perform a trade study comparing the different approaches based on cost, schedule feasibility, quality of test data, and technical execution difficulty. (3) Down select to a platform and design the electronics, optics, mechanics, and software required to satisfy the focal place characterization platform requirements. The system designed by the team will evaluate focal plane linearity, different gain states of the focal plane, quantum efficiency, noise characteristics, and MTF, with the ability for the focal plane assembly to be tested at different operational temperatures. (4) Build data simulators and representative models of the optical test stations and focal planes to be tested to give representative data that can be evaluated using the test algorithms. (5) Build a production prototype system, complete with optical, mechanical, and electrical diagrams, as clearly documented databasing architecture for the output data. This platform may consist of multiple stations incorporated into the prototype assembly (think linearity station versus MTF station). (6) Collect complete datasets on several real sensors. Implement automatic report writing, dataset error detector with error identification. Compare real data to simulated data. (7) Create plans to refine the prototype into a scalable platform for higher volume production. (8) Deliver and set up station at Rocket Lab Optical Systems.