One of the benefits of 3rd Generation FLIR technology is the potential to maintain range performance but with a much smaller optical system. A 3rd Gen Demonstrator (3GD) has been assembled and tested to demonstrate this capability. The 3GD features a four field of view optical system incorporating dual f/number optics with an all-reflective folded three mirror anastigmat (TMA) afocal, axial zoom dual band imager, internal thermal reference, and a beam splitter port for integrating other sensors such as a visible camera. This paper discusses the results of the fabrication of this 3rd Gen demonstration system with an emphasis on lessons learned from the challenges of 3rd Gen optics.
A complex sensor system may include imaging optics, detector assemblies, image processing, and display components. The depth of field for such systems is not always best characterized by the optical diffraction or geometric limits, therefore a more comprehensive approach may be necessary. A superset of the Rayleigh optical focus criteria, which includes the effects of all major system components, can be applied to the entire system transfer function in order to conduct a comprehensive depth of field analysis. Examples of this method will be shown for a variety of sensor configurations.
The achievement of the Army's goal, 'Own the Night,' has evolved over the last few years to include mastery of the entire optical spectrum from 0.4 microns through 12 microns. This requires the integration of lasers, FLIR (forward looking infrared) sensors, CCD cameras and image intensifiers, and direct view optical assemblies, all on a single platform. The problem faced with such integration is to provide the functionality in a small, lightweight package. Common aperture optics may be a solution, but common apertures require the use of low-cost, hardened, multi-spectral windows. The general requirements for multi-spectral systems and lessons learned from the RAH-66 Comanche program are discussed.
Conference Committee Involvement (2)
Advanced Optics for Defense Applications: UV through LWIR II
9 April 2017 | Anaheim, CA, United States
Advanced Optics for Defense Applications: UV through LWIR
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