Experimental demonstration of Fourier telescopy

Fourier telescopy is an imaging technique in which the Fourier spectrum of an object is built up by sweeping fringe patterns of varying spatial frequency and orientation over the object. The modulated scattered radiation that results is collected by an nonimaging detector. We have performed a laboratory demonstration of Fourier telescopy in order to confirm the validity of the fundamental measurement concept and the image reconstruction method. We show experimentally obtained images and compare them to simulated images. On- going experiments will characterize the consequences of less-than-ideal measurement conditions, such as fringe- spacing errors and less-than-unity fringe modulation. Our ultimate application is the imaging of geosynchronous satellites.