KEYWORDS: Zoom lenses, Short wave infrared radiation, Design and modelling, Modulation transfer functions, Optical design, Near infrared, Sensors, Light sources and illumination, Image quality, Prototyping
In this paper we review the optical design challenges and performance of a new NIR+SWIR zoom lens. The main features of this lens include a wide spectral range of 700nm to 1700nm covering both NIR and SWIR bands, a 10x zoom ratio; a 25-250mm EFL range, a F/5.5 to support both 10um and 5um pixel pitch detectors including SXGA format, a low SWaP athermal design, and a high MTF performance along the zoom range and over a wide temperature range. The most significant challenge in this design was the wide spectral range requirement of 700nm to 1700nm, resulting in challenging control of the chromatic aberrations. Another challenge was the reduced SWaP requirements which limited the physical length of the design and therefore increased the performance sensitivity to tolerances. These design considerations and the high-performance results over the full zoom range are described.
Introducing Ophir® LightIR16-180mm MWIR f/3.6 continuous zoom lens, the newest addition to the successful LightIR family of lightweight, long-range, motorized continuous zoom lenses. The LightIR 16-180mm f/3.6 is a compact, thermal imaging lens optimized for smaller size 10µm pitch VGA FPA detectors. It features a folded optics design that significantly reduces the length of the lens and, therefore, the overall size and weight of the optical system in which it is incorporated. The lens is 65% smaller than existing MWIR 10µm VGA lenses. This makes it ideal for the demanding requirements of reduced SWaP and small gimbal thermal imaging applications, including drones and tactical UAV IR cameras, and micro-/mini-tactical payloads in the commercial, homeland security, and defense industries. The LightIR 16-180mm f/3.6 folded zoom lens addresses the new market shift toward smaller size detectors, with its disruptive combination of size, weight, range capabilities, and cost, the new zoom lens is an enabler for advanced drone, UAV, and small gimbal thermal imaging applications. The folded optics design enables long optical lengths, which produce a reduced sensitivity to tolerances in compact configurations that incorporate fewer optical elements. The innovative design also enables near diffraction-limit performance in harsh environments and addresses such challenges as LOS stabilization and athermalization. At only 460gr, it is one of the lightest weight, continuous zoom lens on the market, maintaining sharp focus over the entire zoom range with mechanical/ electrical interface assures easy integration into camera systems. For more information visit: https://www.ophiropt.com/infrared/lenses/supir-16-180mm-f-3-6/
Reduced SWaP-C is one of the hottest trends in thermal imaging requirements. It allows thermal imaging systems to be used for a range of new applications, including UAVs and drones in the commercial, homeland security, and defense industries, most notably for long range observation. Meeting reduced SWAP-C requirements involves the design and manufacture of high performance, miniaturized, and affordable thermal imaging components that also allow for long operational ranges. This can be achieved through the use of continuous zoom lenses with innovative optical and mechanical designs, manufactured with the latest cutting-edge technologies. Recently, Ophir launched a range of new zoom lenses that meets the challenging requirements of low SWaP-C and long operational ranges, ideal for integration with UAVs and drones.
The use of large diameter diffractive and aspheric Silicon elements for 3-5μ IR lens assemblies have many advantages for the user, such as low weight and ow raw material costs. However, difficulties in diamond turning large diameter Silicon lenses, resulting in low quality optical surfaces and high manufacturing costs, practically prevented the use of these elements. Recent advances in diamond turning manufacturing and measurements technologies enable now the design and manufacture of large diameter diffractive and aspheric Silicon elements with high optical quality and reasonable costs. We will present some lens designs and measured performance of these Silicon elements.
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