Abstract: Provided herein is an imager device for fusing an image from multiple sources. The device includes a focal plane array detector for obtaining an image of a scene at a first wavelength; a display projector for projecting a projected image of the scene obtained by the focal plane array detector at a second wavelength; and a splitter/combiner element positioned to direct a line of sight of the focal plane array detector in a first direction and to direct the projected image in a second direction. The device is configured such that a normal line of sight having a third wavelength passes through the splitter/combiner element without being deflected by the splitter/combiner element. An assembly including an optical scope and an imager device for fusing an image from multiple sources is also provided. The scope may be a direct view optical scope or an indirect view optical scope.

Abstract: An electro-optical system and method are provided for analyzing images of a scene to identify the presence of a target color, such as human skin tones. The system includes a thermal detector for obtaining a thermal image of the scene within a thermal waveband. The system also includes at least one additional detector for obtaining at least one additional image of the scene at an additional waveband different from the thermal waveband. The system also includes a controller. The controller is configured to: process the thermal image to identify portions of the scene having a temperature exceeding a threshold value; process the additional image to identify portions of the scene having a target color; and output a positive response if a same portion of the scene is identified in the thermal image and the additional image.

Abstract: Provided herein is an imager device for fusing an image from multiple sources. The device includes a focal plane array detector for obtaining an image of a scene at a first wavelength; a display projector for projecting a projected image of the scene obtained by the focal plane array detector at a second wavelength; and a splitter/combiner element positioned to direct a line of sight of the focal plane array detector in a first direction and to direct the projected image in a second direction. The device is configured such that a normal line of sight having a third wavelength passes through the splitter/combiner element without being deflected by the splitter/combiner element. An assembly including an optical scope and an imager device for fusing an image from multiple sources is also provided. The scope may be a direct view optical scope or an indirect view optical scope.

Abstract: An optical system for producing color images includes: an objective lens system having an entrance aperture; a multi-faceted prism positioned at the entrance aperture of the objective lens system and including at least a first face having a first optical filter formed thereon and a second face having a second optical filter formed thereon; and a monochromatic detector array positioned to receive light from the objective lens system. The multi-faceted prism intercepts light from a scene and splits a pupil of the objective lens system into two or more spectrally separated sub-images which are projected onto the monochromatic detector array.

Abstract: Provided herein is an optical turbulence device configured for insertion between the target collimator and the sensor unit being tested, which simulates a turbulence effect. The turbulence device for imparting wavefront aberrations to a projected radiation beam includes an optical phase element for altering the optical phase of a radiation beam. The optical phase element includes a plurality of active areas disposed on a surface of the phase element. The plurality of active areas includes a plurality of variations for imparting wavefront aberrations to a radiation beam, thereby altering optical phase of the beam. The device further includes a driving mechanism coupled to the optical phase element for transitioning the optical phase element between a plurality of positions, thereby exposing a different active area of the optical phase element to the radiation beam. The optical phase element is configured to be positioned at an intermediate focal plane of an inverting a focal optical assembly.

Abstract: A projection device for use with a night vision goggle system includes: a display source; a projector lens assembly positioned to accept light from the display source and provide a projector optical path having a plurality of projector rays; and a folding device comprising at least two folding surfaces positioned to split an exit pupil of the projector optical path into two or more separated segments. Each folding surface captures and redirects a portion of the projector rays to be parallel and coincident with corresponding rays produced by an external scene which pass through an objective lens of the night vision goggle system.

Abstract: Provided herein is an optical turbulence device configured for insertion between the target collimator and the sensor unit being tested, which simulates a turbulence effect. The turbulence device for imparting wavefront aberrations to a projected radiation beam includes an optical phase element for altering the optical phase of a radiation beam. The optical phase element includes a plurality of active areas disposed on a surface of the phase element. The plurality of active areas includes a plurality of variations for imparting wavefront aberrations to a radiation beam, thereby altering optical phase of the beam. The device further includes a driving mechanism coupled to the optical phase element for transitioning the optical phase element between a plurality of positions, thereby exposing a different active area of the optical phase element to the radiation beam. The optical phase element is configured to be positioned at an intermediate focal plane of an inverting a focal optical assembly.

Abstract: An optical system for producing color images includes: an objective lens system having an entrance aperture; a multi-faceted prism positioned at the entrance aperture of the objective lens system and including at least a first face having a first optical filter formed thereon and a second face having a second optical filter formed thereon; and a monochromatic detector array positioned to receive light from the objective lens system. The multi-faceted prism intercepts light from a scene and splits a pupil of the objective lens system into two or more spectrally separated sub-images which are projected onto the monochromatic detector array.

Abstract: A projection device for use with a night vision goggle system includes: a display source; a projector lens assembly positioned to accept light from the display source and provide a projector optical path having a plurality of projector rays; and a folding device comprising at least two folding surfaces positioned to split an exit pupil of the projector optical path into two or more separated segments. Each folding surface captures and redirects a portion of the projector rays to be parallel and coincident with corresponding rays produced by an external scene which pass through an objective lens of the night vision goggle system.