Patents Examined by Assistant Examiner
  • Patent number: 5457576
    Abstract: Radial gradient index of refraction (GRIN) optical relays for overcorrecting axial chromatic aberration and a method for their manufacture are described. A relay including a radial GRIN rod in combination with a holographic optical element, or simple homogeneous or GRIN lenses, is described for adjusting axial chromatic and monochromatic aberrations, including spherical, coma, astigmatism, and distortion. The invention also describes remote viewing scopes, such as endoscopes and borescopes, which utilize said relays for achromatic, and reduced or corrected monochromatic aberration imaging. The use of segmented said relays provides a slight degree of flexibility in certain remote viewing scopes. A method for producing an exemplary negative dispersion GRIN lens is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Gradient Lens Corporation
    Inventors: Leland G. Atkinson, Douglas S. Kindred, Duncan T. Moore, J. Robert Zinter, J. Raymond Hensler