Active optical zoom for space-based imaging

David V. Wick; Brett E. Bagwell; William C. Sweatt; Gary L. Peterson; Ty Martinez; Sergio R. Restaino; Jonathan R. Andrews; Christopher C. Wilcox; Don M. Payne; Robert Romeo

doi:10.1117/12.696346

7 September 2006 Active optical zoom for space-based imaging

David V. Wick, Brett E. Bagwell, William C. Sweatt, Gary L. Peterson, Ty Martinez, Sergio R. Restaino, Jonathan R. Andrews, Christopher C. Wilcox, Don M. Payne, Robert Romeo

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6307, Unconventional Imaging II; 63070A (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.696346
Event: SPIE Optics + Photonics, 2006, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The development of sensors that are compact, lighter weight, and adaptive is critical for the success of future military initiatives. Space-based systems need the flexibility of a wide FOV for surveillance while simultaneously maintaining high-resolution for threat identification and tracking from a single, nonmechanical imaging system. In order to meet these stringent requirements, the military needs revolutionary alternatives to conventional imaging systems. We will present recent progress in active optical (aka nonmechanical) zoom for space applications. Active optical zoom uses multiple active optics elements to change the magnification of the imaging system. In order to optically vary the magnification of an imaging system, continuous mechanical zoom systems require multiple optical elements and use fine mechanical motion to precisely adjust the separations between individual or groups of elements. By incorporating active elements into the optical design, we have designed, demonstrated, and patented imaging systems that are capable of variable optical magnification with no macroscopic moving parts.

Citation Download Citation

David V. Wick, Brett E. Bagwell, William C. Sweatt, Gary L. Peterson, Ty Martinez, Sergio R. Restaino, Jonathan R. Andrews, Christopher C. Wilcox, Don M. Payne, and Robert Romeo "Active optical zoom for space-based imaging", Proc. SPIE 6307, Unconventional Imaging II, 63070A (7 September 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.696346

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KEYWORDS

Mirrors

Zoom lenses

Active optics

Disk lasers

Imaging systems

Optical components

Telescopes

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