Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein address issues of cost and weight that prevent other threat detection systems intended to detect and identify locations of incoming munitions fire such as RPGs, anti-tank missiles, and other such weapons, from being used more broadly. Systems and methods disclosed herein relate, in part, to a portable, optical sensor that has a 360-degree horizontal field of view and a selectable vertical field of view that can cover up to 90 degrees. Variations of systems and methods discussed herein are meant for use and transport by an individual or group of individuals, and do not require significant support electronics or power supplies in excess of a typical car-battery in size and weight. Other embodiments may be vehicle mounted, or may be further enhanced to work with other detection or response systems.

Abstract: The present invention addresses issues of cost and weight that prevent other threat detection systems intended to detect and identify locations of incoming munitions fire such as RPGs, anti-tank missiles, and other such weapons, from being used more broadly. The invention consists of a portable, optical sensor that has a 360-degree horizontal field of view and a selectable vertical field of view that can cover up to 90 degrees. An embodiment of the invention is meant for use and transport by an individual or group of individuals, and does not require significant support electronics or power supplies in excess of a typical car-battery in size and weight. Other embodiments may be vehicle mounted, or may be further enhanced to work with other detection or response systems.

Abstract: An infrared refractive lens triplet having color correction properties for radiation within the 3 to 12 micrometer spectral band for use with a quantum well detector for simultaneous dual band imagery. In certain embodiments of the invention, two widely spaced triplets form a Petzval-type objective lens. Each lens triplet is made up of a negative zinc sulfide lens, a positive zinc selenide lens, and a negative gallium arsenide lens coaxially positioned along a chief ray of the lens system.

Abstract: An optical system and method comprising acquiring radiation in a plurality of spectral bands, each acquired by a discrete collector, receiving the acquired radiation in one or more of the spectral bands with one or more afocal zoom optics, each receiving radiation from a different collector, and aligning each point of fields of view of the collectors to a fraction of a pixel.

Abstract: A variable field of view optical system and method comprising providing a forward curved optical element, providing a rearward optical element comprising an axially gradient index material, providing a curved focal surface, and conveying an image on the curved focal surface to a flat detector surface.

Abstract: A Midwave FLIR imaging optical apparatus has both a narrow and wide field of view. The imaging optical apparatus has a See Spot mode of operation, where a laser designator spot image is superimposed on the FLIR image in the narrow field of view. A laser rangefinder receiver path is also provided. A shared aperture collects incident radiation, which after manipulation by a plurality of optically significant surfaces, projects radiation to a detector. The imaging optical system is lightweight and compact and efficiently transmits FLIR energy and a narrow band of laser energy so that a signal due to a source outside the pass bands of interest (including solar energy) will not adversely effect operation of the imaging optical apparatus.

Abstract: An optic and method of manufacture comprising a center portion comprising a front surface and a back surface and a mangin surrounding the center portion and comprising a front surface and a back surface, wherein the front surface of the center portion is flat and reflective rearward and the front surface of the mangin is spherical.

Abstract: A Midwave FLIR imaging optical apparatus has both a narrow and wide field of view. The imaging optical apparatus has a See Spot mode of operation, where a laser designator spot image is superimposed on the FLIR image in the narrow field of view. A laser rangefinder receiver path is also provided. A shared aperture collects incident radiation, which after manipulation by a plurality of optically significant surfaces, projects radiation to a detector. The imaging optical system is lightweight and compact and efficiently transmits FLIR energy and a narrow band of laser energy so that a signal due to a source outside the pass bands of interest (including solar energy) will not adversely effect operation of the imaging optical apparatus.

Abstract: An infrared lens is made from a moldable IR transmissive material and has an optically significant surface with a surface relief holographic grating. The moldable IR transmissive material is an arsenic selenide glass. The lens and the optically significant surface are manufactured as a unitary structure in a molding operation.

Abstract: An infrared refractive lens triplet having color correction properties for radiation within the 3 to 12 micrometer spectral band for use with a quantum well detector for simultaneous dual band imagery. In certain embodiments of the invention, two widely spaced triplets form a Petzval-type objective lens. Each lens triplet is made up of a negative zinc sulfide lens, a positive zinc selenide lens, and a negative gallium arsenide lens coaxially positioned along a chief ray of the lens system.

Abstract: A window for utilization in the receiving of intelligence from a modulated beam of collimated light, with the window being configured to restrict the field of view of the optical system used therewith, and employing the phenomenon of total internal reflection. Such a window may be used to reject the entry of unwanted radiation, such as noise, and comprises first and second generally triangularly shaped wedges of optical material. The entry face of the first wedge is generally perpendicular to a base plane, and its rear face is disposed at an acute angle to the entry face. The entry face of the second wedge is disposed at the same angle to the base plane as the rear face of the first wedge, and the two wedges are separated by a small air gap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding a line of sight in a scanning imaging system wherein there is continuous relative movement between the field of view of the system and an image plane. A descan mechanism temporarily holds a line of sight within a field of regard as a scanning mechanism such as a gimbal continuously moves imaging optics relative to the object space. The descan mechanism descans the image, the descan mechanism's relative movement being opposite to the direction of movement of the gimbal, so as to hold a line of sight for a time period and thereafter snap to a new field of view to thereafter descan the new line of sight for another time period. With the present invention a scanning system can be used with an imaging device requiring time integration for greater sensitivity, such as a staring electronic detector array or photographic film, without necessitating the physical scanning motion to be cyclically stopped and restarted.

Abstract: A compound lens for use in a low light level system operating in the near-infrared region. The lens system includes a high light-gathering ability requiring both a large aperture and good transmissivity over the wavelengths of interest. A wide field of view (e.g., 50.degree.) without excessive chromatic and geometric aberrations that generally accompanies systems with a large aperture is provided. Space is provided in the lens system for a variable iris and variable density spot subassembly. Desired optical quantities are obtained through the use of zinc selenide as the material for an aspheric lens. The use of this diamond-turnable infrared material as a field lens yields exceptional performance for a fast (e.g., F/1.25) lens with a wide field of view.

Abstract: An optical system utilized to provide guidance information in the form of a modulated beam for a beamrider missile during its rocket powered flight phase. Our system comprises first and second zoom type optical subsystems arranged to function cooperatively in object space, utilizing coincident lines of sight, with these optical subsystems serving to provide guidance information to the missile when the exhaust plume from its rocket engine is relatively difficult to penetrate. The first optical subsystem is utilized in a closed loop servo system for positioning a mirror gimballed about two axes, such that it continuously tracks the missile. The second optical subsystem, along the optical axis of which the modulated beam is directed, comprises a negative optical group and a positive optical group combined into a defocusable beam expander.

Abstract: An optical arrangement for use in boresighting a plurality of optical paths utilized in a missile beam guidance system, to the target trackers used therewith. A boresight module optical bed supports a plurality of retro-reflective optical assemblies in a closely spaced array, and nearby is a rotational optical assembly in which is mounted an integrated laser system for providing beam guidance to a missile. The rotational optical assembly also contains a plurality of target trackers, and in a first operational mode, the laser of the rotational assembly is successively utilized in conjunction with the retro-reflective optical assemblies in order to accurately and conveniently boresight the trackers. Thereafter, the trackers are used in the acquisition and tracking of a target, and the laser is utilized for guiding the missile to intercept the target.

Abstract: A wavelength discriminator designed to collect broadband, multiple wavelength input energy, to isolate specific narrow bands of interest, and to image such narrow bands of interest upon closely spaced, separate detectors. This discriminator comprises optical devices (22, 18) for directing incoming radiant energy of a certain quality and involving a wide range of wavelengths through first (26a) and second (26b) wavelength selective reflectors separated by a medium that transmits the wavelengths of interest. The wavelength selective reflectors in accordance with this invention are in a non-parallel configuration and disposed in a double pass geometrical arrangement wherein energy of a certain wavelength reflected from the second wavelength selective reflector (26b) passes back through the first wavelength selective reflector (26a), with the energy from the first and second wavelength reflectors thereafter being directed onto respective detectors (32aand 32b).