Abstract: A portable optic metrology thermal chamber module including a housing defining a thermal chamber, with a thermally isolated environment arranged for holding an optic device under test, the housing having an optic stimulus entry aperture configured for entry of a stimulus beam, from a metrology system stimulus source through the entry aperture onto an entry pupil of the device to an image analyzer, and a module mount coupling to modularly mount the portable optic metrology thermal chamber module to a support of a metrology system of the metrology system stimulus source so as to removably couple the portable optic metrology thermal chamber module as a unit to the support in a predetermined position relative to the metrology system stimulus source, and the housing is sized and shaped so that the portable optic metrology thermal chamber module is portable as a unit for moving to and removing from the predetermined position.

Abstract: A camera metrology apparatus including a base section, a drive section with independent drive axes, and an actuation platform having a camera mount, with a predetermined camera mount interface for a camera, and a camera stimulation source mount, with a predetermined stimulation source mount interface, and being coupled to one of the drive axes to generate relative motion between each interface effecting metrology measurement of the camera, wherein the actuation platform has a selectable configuration between different predetermined platform configurations, each with different predetermined mounting location characteristics changing a predetermined mounting location of the camera mount interface or stimulation source mount interface and effecting a different predetermined metrology measurement characteristic, and the camera mount and the camera stimulation source mount are arranged to define a repeatable relative position between the camera mount interface and stimulation source mount interface in each platfor

Abstract: A portable optic metrology thermal chamber module including a housing defining a thermal chamber, with a thermally isolated environment arranged for holding an optic device under test, the housing having an optic stimulus entry aperture configured for entry of a stimulus beam, from a metrology system stimulus source through the entry aperture onto an entry pupil of the device to an image analyzer, and a module mount coupling to modularly mount the portable optic metrology thermal chamber module to a support of a metrology system of the metrology system stimulus source so as to removably couple the portable optic metrology thermal chamber module as a unit to the support in a predetermined position relative to the metrology system stimulus source, and the housing is sized and shaped so that the portable optic metrology thermal chamber module is portable as a unit for moving to and removing from the predetermined position.

Abstract: A camera metrology apparatus including a base section, a drive section with independent drive axes, and an actuation platform having a camera mount, with a predetermined camera mount interface for a camera, and a camera stimulation source mount, with a predetermined stimulation source mount interface, and being coupled to one of the drive axes to generate relative motion between each interface effecting metrology measurement of the camera, wherein the actuation platform has a selectable configuration between different predetermined platform configurations, each with different predetermined mounting location characteristics changing a predetermined mounting location of the camera mount interface or stimulation source mount interface and effecting a different predetermined metrology measurement characteristic, and the camera mount and the camera stimulation source mount are arranged to define a repeatable relative position between the camera mount interface and stimulation source mount interface in each platfor

Abstract: Apparatus for evaluating optical components and systems that uses a precision compact mirror support structure to present to an optical system or electro-optical system (e.g., a camera) multiple images of at least one optical evaluation target over a wide field to allow assessment of the performance or alignment of the optical or electro-optical system over its intended field of use. The mirror support structure generates multiple images of an optical evaluation target by providing multiple folded optical paths between the target and the desired field locations of the test optic. The mirrors employed may either be parallel or at angles with respect to one another.

Abstract: A system for quickly aligning a test optic with various components of an optical metrology tool. A collimated target is presented to a beamsplitting reference surface located on a positioning system for holding and manipulating the test optic. Video images of the target and its reflection from the reference surface are displayed for analysis and visualization so that any tilt between the reference surface and the optical axis of the collimated beam can be removed to align the test optic. After alignment, the video based system is used to quickly measure and display in real-time a variety of performance characteristics of optical components such as lenses. The metrology system is under the control of a computer which uses a windowing software program to provide the user with a graphical user interface by which the various components of the system and test lenses may be aligned and characterized.

Abstract: A system for quickly measuring and displaying in real-time a variety of performance characteristics of IR optical components such as lenses, or the like. The system is video based and is under the control of a computer which uses a windowing software program to provide the user with a graphical user interface by which the various components of the system and test lenses may be characterized and operated on through functions available via the interface. The system has features for compensating for the presence of IR background radiation that may be present during a measurement cycle and for drift in the video imager. Thermal management features are included to minimize IR background.

Abstract: An underwater camera housing provided with an adaptive mechanical control arrangement for use with a broad range of camera brands and models. The camera housing is preferably formed of front and rear housing sections that are molded of clear transparent plastic and arranged to be moved between an open position for mounting a camera within the housing and a closed position in which the housing provides a watertight enclosure for protecting and communicating with a camera. The housing is provided with a truncated hemispherical lens through which a camera views scenes to be photographed to reduce distortion and not foreshorten viewing angle and a flat window and optional diffuser for providing controlled artificial illumination to a scene.

Abstract: An underwater camera housing provided with an adaptive mechanical control arrangement for use with a broad range of camera brands and models. The camera housing is preferably formed of front and rear housing sections that are molded of clear transparent plastic and arranged to be moved between an open position for mounting a camera within the housing and a closed position in which the housing provides a watertight enclosure for protecting and communicating with a camera. The housing is provided with a truncated hemispherical lens through which a camera views scenes to be photographed to reduce distortion and not foreshorten viewing angle and a flat window and optional diffuser for providing controlled artificial illumination to a scene.

Abstract: A night vision apparatus comprises housing arrangement by which a user can place an eyepiece adjacent one eye, a solid state imager sensitive to infrared radiation, an infrared radiation generation means arranged to generate infrared radiation into the field of view of the solid state imager; and an image generator arranged to receive the output from the solid state imager and to generate a visible image representative of this output at a position visible to the eye of the user. Head-mounted and hand-held embodiments are provided.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for measuring properties of optical components based on wavefront sensing and analysis. A wavefront of predetermined profile is directed at a surface to be measured so that it is more or less distorted in accordance with the shape of the surface and the distorted wavefront is sensed and analyzed. From the information derived from the distorted wavefront and other knowledge of the relationship between the surface and position of the wavefront of predetermined profile, the shape of the surface may be inferred along with other properties such as radius of curvature, focal length, conic constants, asphericity, toricity, tilt, and decentering. Concave, convex, cylindrical, and flat parts may be measured along with wavefront errors in bandpass transmitting components such as lenses, filters, and windows.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for measuring properties of optical components based on wavefront sensing and analysis. A wavefront of predetermined profile is directed at a surface to be measured so that it is more or less distorted in accordance with the shape of the surface and the distorted wavefront is sensed and analyzed. From the information derived from the distorted wavefront and other knowledge of the relationship between the surface and position of the wavefront of predetermined profile, the shape of the surface maybe inferred along with other properties such as radius of curvature, focal length, conic constants, asphericity, toricity, tilt, and decentering. Concave, convex, cylindrical, and flat parts may be measured along with wavefront errors in bandpass transmitting components such as lenses, filters, and windows.

Abstract: A process for measuring at least one parameter of an optical element having first and second surfaces on opposed sides thereof uses a reflection-reducing member, which is solid and has substantial mechanical integrity, but which is resilient and elastically deformable so as to conform to a surface with which it is placed in contact. This reflection-reducing member is contacted with the second surface of the optical element so that a surface of the reflection-reducing member conforms to this second surface, the parameter is measured, and the reflection-reducing member is removed from the second surface leaving this surface substantially free from any residue. The presence of the reflection-reducing member reduces or eliminates unwanted reflections from the second or “back” surface of the optical element, thus simplifying the measurement of any parameter which depends upon detecting reflection from the first or “front” surface of the optical element.

Abstract: The height-of-fill of a container comprising a body having an optically detectable feature, and contents filling the body up to a fill level, at least a measuring portion of the container extending from the optically detectable feature to the fill level being capable of transmitting electromagnetic radiation, is determined by illuminating at least the measuring portion of the container with electromagnetic radiation; forming an image of part of this measuring portion of the container; and analyzing the image by data processing means to identify: (a) a first region having a first intensity that varies in accordance with the properties of the optically detectable feature; and (b) a second region having a second intensity that varies in accordance with the optical properties of the contents below the fill level, and determining the distance between a point within the first region and the upper edge of the second region, thereby determining the height-of-fill.

Abstract: A system for quickly measuring and displaying in real-time a variety of performance characteristics of optical components such as lenses. The system is video based and is under the control of a computer which uses a windowing software program to provide the user with a graphical user interface by which the various components of the system and test lenses may be characterized and operated on through functions available via the interface. Lens performance measurements such as line spread and modulation transfer functions can be graphically and numerically displayed in real-time and/or recorded on other output devices or as files in computer memory.

Abstract: A system for the automatic measurement of parameters of optical elements such as radii of curvature, thickness, power, index of refraction, and focal length including the radii of curvature of convex or concave optical surfaces such as those of lenses, molds, lathe turned optics, inserts, ball bearings or micro-optics. The system includes a computer for control, operator interfacing, and analysis, along with an optical head for providing signals from which parameters can be calculated.

Abstract: A system for the automatic measurement of radius of curvature of convex or concave optical surfaces such as those of lenses, molds, inserts, ball bearings or micro-optics. The system includes an 80286 based AT computer for control, operator interface and analysis along with an optical head for providing a signal from which radii can be calculated.