Abstract: Dual-band optical imaging systems and methods. One example of a dual-band optical system includes an all-reflective shared optical sub-system configured to receive combined optical radiation including first optical radiation having wavelengths in a first waveband and second optical radiation having wavelengths in a second, different waveband, and an optical element positioned to receive the combined optical radiation from the all-reflective shared optical sub-system and having a dichroic coating configured to transmit the first optical radiation and to reflect the second optical radiation, the optical element being configured to transmit the first optical radiation toward a first focal plane and to reflect and focus the second optical radiation to a second focal plane. The all-reflective shared optical sub-system and the optical element are each positioned symmetrically about a primary optical axis extending between the first focal plane and the second focal plane.

Abstract: Examples provide a compact, dynamic non-uniformity correction mechanism and counter-countermeasure mechanism. In one example an optical imaging system includes an imaging sensor configured to receive optical radiation and to produce an image of a viewed scene from the optical radiation, an optical train including at least one optical component configured to receive the optical radiation from the viewed scene and to focus the optical radiation to the imaging sensor, and an acousto-optic modulator positioned in the optical train and having an ON state and an OFF state, the acousto-optic modulator being configured in the OFF state to pass the optical radiation, and the acousto-optic modulator being configured in the ON state to diffract the optical radiation and blur the image produced by the imaging sensor from the diffracted optical radiation.

Abstract: Examples provide a compact, dynamic non-uniformity correction mechanism and counter-countermeasure mechanism. In one example an optical imaging system includes an imaging sensor configured to receive optical radiation and to produce an image of a viewed scene from the optical radiation, an optical train including at least one optical component configured to receive the optical radiation from the viewed scene and to focus the optical radiation to the imaging sensor, and an acousto-optic modulator positioned in the optical train and having an ON state and an OFF state, the acousto-optic modulator being configured in the OFF state to pass the optical radiation, and the acousto-optic modulator being configured in the ON state to diffract the optical radiation and blur the image produced by the imaging sensor from the diffracted optical radiation.

Abstract: An optical position sensing system and method for sensing a gimbal position in a gimbal-based optical system. One example of an optical position sensing system includes an off-gimbal light source that generates a position sensing light beam and transmits the position sensing light beam along an optical coude path of the optical system, and an on-gimbal optical element that causes a change in an intensity of the position sensing light beam based on rotation of the gimbal about the axis. The system further includes an off-gimbal detector configured to receive the position sensing light beam returned from the optical element and to detect the change in the intensity of the position sensing light beam, and a controller coupled to the detector and configured to determine the gimbal position based on a correlation between the change in the intensity of the position sensing light beam and the gimbal position.

Abstract: An optical position sensing system and method for sensing a gimbal position in a gimbal-based optical system. One example of an optical position sensing system includes an off-gimbal light source that generates a position sensing light beam and transmits the position sensing light beam along an optical coude path of the optical system, and an on-gimbal optical element that causes a change in an intensity of the position sensing light beam based on rotation of the gimbal about the axis. The system further includes an off-gimbal detector configured to receive the position sensing light beam returned from the optical element and to detect the change in the intensity of the position sensing light beam, and a controller coupled to the detector and configured to determine the gimbal position based on a correlation between the change in the intensity of the position sensing light beam and the gimbal position.

Abstract: Embodiments of a laser imaging system with uniform line illumination and method for generating images are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the laser imaging system includes a polarizer beam splitter to angularly separate an input laser beam into a pair of overlapping cross-polarized beams having a first angular separation therebetween, and a diffraction optic beamlet generator to generate a plurality of beamlets of alternating polarization states with a second angular separation therebetween. The laser imaging system may also include a focal-plane array (FPA) having a field-of-view (FOV) to be illuminated by the plurality of beamlets.

Abstract: Embodiments of a laser imaging system with uniform line illumination and method for generating images are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the laser imaging system includes a polarizer beam splitter to angularly separate an input laser beam into a pair of overlapping cross-polarized beams having a first angular separation therebetween, and a diffraction optic beamlet generator to generate a plurality of beamlets of alternating polarization states with a second angular separation therebetween. The laser imaging system may also include a focal-plane array (FPA) having a field-of-view (FOV) to be illuminated by the plurality of beamlets.