Abstract: A trailer-based mobile observatory is provided that has a roof that is stable under gravity in the both the opened and closed positions to ensure better mobility and robustness for travel while eliminating the risk of the roof opening during travel. This ensures that if there is any mechanical failure while the roof is in the closed position, the roof will remain closed. The trailer-based mobile observatory enclosure can be designed to house one or more telescopes and to enable remote and robotic operation. The enclosure is designed for easy deployment and reliable operation with much thought put into possible failures and ensuring that any failure that occurs does not put the telescope and instruments at risk.

Abstract: An optical imaging system employing a device containing a sequence of first (pre-dispersor) and second (main) volume holograms configured to operate as a sequence of optical diffractive elements possessing different blazing curves. A pre-cursor hologram has a thickness smaller than the thickness of the following, disperser hologram, and a comparatively broad spectral selectivity as compared to that of the main hologram, allowing the pre-cursor to diffract light in transmission within a very large range of the angles of incidence. The use of the combination of the pre-cursor and the main holograms not only implements selective imaging of the chosen target object at every angle at which various portions of the object are seen at the optical system, but also facilitates the spectroscopic measurements of such object.

Abstract: An optical imaging system employing a device containing a sequence of first (pre-dispersor) and second (main) volume holograms configured to operate as a sequence of optical diffractive elements possessing different blazing curves. A pre-cursor hologram has a thickness smaller than the thickness of the following, disperser hologram, and a comparatively broad spectral selectivity as compared to that of the main hologram, allowing the pre-cursor to diffract light in transmission within a very large range of the angles of incidence. The use of the combination of the pre-cursor and the main holograms not only implements selective imaging of the chosen target object at every angle at which various portions of the object are seen at the optical system, but also facilitates the spectroscopic measurements of such object.