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Lara Senter
Ph.D. Student in Sciences, Technologies, and Measurements for Space, University of Padua
About Me
My research project aims to investigate the integration of Freeform optics (FFOs) within the CubeSat format. FFOs are defined as optical surfaces with no axis of rotational invariance. Unlike traditional optics, which are constrained by rotational symmetry, FFOs exhibit greater flexibility because they require more than two degrees of freedom for fabrication, allowing for more complex and versatile shapes. CubeSats are a class of nanosatellites and are based on a standard unit commonly referred to as "U", which has dimensions of 1 dm3 and a mass ranging from approximately 1 to 2 kg. They can be scaled up in size by combining multiple units to accommodate more complex payloads, reaching up to 12U in size.
The objective of this study is to develop the optical design of a multispectral imager for Earth Observation that will acquire images using the pushbroom technique and will operate in the visible to near infrared spectral range. First, the performance limitations imposed by conventional optical elements will be analysed. Subsequently, FFOs will be introduced into the design to assess their impact on the optical performance.
Click here to view my poster.