Panoramic MWIR Lens Segmentation for Low-SWaP Cooled Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incorporating a panoramic MWIR lens into a cooled detector or imager is challenging due to size, weight, cooling requirements, alignment, cost, and achieving optimal performance, which complicates integration and increases system complexity.
Innovation Solution
A panoramic MWIR lens design utilizing nine optical elements made from Germanium and Silicon, with specific optical powers and configurations, provides a compact, high-resolution imaging solution with monochromatic and chromatic aberration correction, suitable for a 360-degree azimuth and 40-degree elevation field of view, integrated with a cooled detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple apertures or sensors are used to achieve panoramic vision, then the field of view is improved, but the size, weight, and power (SWaP) increase
Solution Approach 1:
The panoramic lens is divided into multiple optical segments or zones that work together to capture different portions of the panoramic field of view. Each segment contributes to the overall panoramic image, allowing a single sensor to capture the entire scene without requiring multiple separate sensors or apertures.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple sensors are used to achieve panoramic vision, then the field of view is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple functional zones within a single lens assembly, each responsible for capturing a specific angular portion of the panoramic scene. This segmentation allows complex panoramic imaging functionality to be achieved within a single sensor platform, reducing the number of separate sensor units and their associated mounting, synchronization, and calibration systems.
3Area of stationary object
If a pan-tilt camera is used to capture panoramic images, then the field of view is improved, but the time to form the panoramic image increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system employs dynamic optical elements or movable components that can rapidly adjust the direction of light paths to capture different portions of the panoramic scene. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to sweep through the panoramic field of view much faster than mechanical pan-tilt cameras, reducing the time required to capture the entire scene while maintaining high resolution.
4Area of stationary object
If a moving camera is used to capture panoramic images, then the field of view is improved, but dynamic information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures images across the entire panoramic field of view simultaneously or in rapid succession, ensuring that dynamic information from moving objects is preserved. The continuous operation of the optical system allows it to track and capture moving targets throughout the panoramic scene without the interruptions inherent in sequential pan-tilt scanning, maintaining the temporal coherence of dynamic events.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The lens achieves efficient, high-resolution imaging with reduced size, weight, and cost, enabling Near-Real-Time processing of wide-area video imagery for target recognition and tracking, suitable for airborne platforms.
Implementation Method 1
Lenses operating in the 3 to 5 micrometer or micron Mid-Wavelength Infrared (MWIR) band detect the heat emissions of objects
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of optical elements, wherein each optical element from the plurality of elements is formed from a material that transmits in at least the MWIR band
Implementation Method 3
Lenses operating in the 3 to 5 micrometer or micron Mid-Wavelength Infrared (MWIR) band detect the heat emissions of objects
Data Source
AI summary
A panoramic Mid-Wavelength Infrared (MWIR) lens has a plurality of optical elements, wherein each optical element from the plurality of elements is formed from a material that transmits in at least the MWIR band from 3 μm to 5 μm. The plurality of optical element are arranged in a manner that provides a 360 degree azimuth angle and an elevation angle that is within +/−20° from a 90° horizon. The panoramic MWIR lens is configured to be connected to a cooled Dewar, wherein the Dewar includes a cold shield and an image plane to detect light in the MWIR band transmitted through the plurality of optical elements.