The applications for larger format infrared focal plane arrays are numerous: more pixels on target, wider fields of regard, and digital windowing while retaining the highest resolutions possible are just a few examples. As manufacturing capabilities at the sensor level begin rising to meet these challenges, it is imperative advancements in the design and manufacturing practices of optical assemblies run in parallel. The principle challenges met by optical designers in this field are those driven by the size of the optical elements required. This paper will detail some of these challenges, specifically the form of the lens design and the difficulties of mounting and aligning large optical elements.

Date Published: 14 May 2019
PDF: 7 pages
Proc. SPIE 10998, Advanced Optics for Imaging Applications: UV through LWIR IV, 109980K (14 May 2019); doi: 10.1117/12.2518622

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 10998:
Advanced Optics for Imaging Applications: UV through LWIR IV
Jay N. Vizgaitis; Peter L. Marasco; Jasbinder S. Sanghera, Editor(s)