An alternative approach to infrared optics

Rick Morrison; Ronald Stack; Gary Euliss; Ravindra Athale; Colin Reese; Jay Vizgaitis; James Stevens; Eric Tremblay; Joseph Ford

doi:10.1117/12.853851

3 May 2010 An alternative approach to infrared optics

Rick Morrison, Ronald Stack, Gary Euliss, Ravindra Athale, Colin Reese, Jay Vizgaitis, James Stevens, Eric Tremblay, Joseph Ford

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7660, Infrared Technology and Applications XXXVI; 76601Y (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.853851
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2010, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

The MONTAGE program sponsored by the Microsystems Technology Office of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) resulted in the demonstration of a novel approach to designing compact imaging systems. This approach was enabled by an unusual four-fold annular lens originally designed and demonstrated for operation exclusively in the visible spectral band. To accomplish DARPA's goal of an ultra-thin imaging system, the folded optic was fabricated by diamond-turning concentric aspheric annular zones on both sides of a CaF₂ core. The optical properties of the core material ultimately limit the operating bandwidth of such a design. We present the latest results of an effort to re-engineer and demonstrate the MONTAGE folded optics for imaging across a broad spectral band. The broadband capability is achieved by taking advantage of a new design that substitutes a hollow core configuration for the solid core. Along with enabling additional applications for the folded optics, the hollow-core design offers the potential of reducing weight and cost in comparison to an alternative solid-core design. We present new results characterizing the performance of a lens based on the new design and applied to long-wave infrared imaging.

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Rick Morrison, Ronald Stack, Gary Euliss, Ravindra Athale, Colin Reese, Jay Vizgaitis, James Stevens, Eric Tremblay, and Joseph Ford "An alternative approach to infrared optics", Proc. SPIE 7660, Infrared Technology and Applications XXXVI, 76601Y (3 May 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.853851

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