UV IR Image Combiner

ABSTRACT: To address the Air Force need for a spatial and spectral beam combiner that integrates separate collimated ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) sources into a single co-aligned image identical to the size and shape of both input image with spectral characteristics of both, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new UV IR Image Combiner (UIVR). This proposed UIVR system is based on a new integration of dispersive optics and broadband relay optics. The innovation in combining dispersive components with optical relays will enable the UIVR system to conjoin separate extended IR and UV sources into a single image containing spatial and spectral features of both inputs. As a result, UIVR offers>80% optical transmission and<20% variation in spectral uniformity with minimal ghosting and resolution of 10 urad at 60 cm, which directly address the Air Forces requirements. In Phase I, POC will provide a detailed design modeling of key elements, layout of optical design, and discuss materials, coating, and optical layout. In Phase II, POC plans to develop and demonstrate a full-scale prototype, and validate the spectral and spatial goals of the 6-inch aperture UIVR device combining a minimum of one UV and one IR image. BENEFIT: The UIVR system will be useful for many commercial applications, such as multiband sensors for gas plume detection, high-power laser beam delivery systems, such as laser eye surgery, hyperspectral projectors and displays, and imaging spectrometer systems, as well as differential absorption LIDAR for measuring volatile organic compounds, aerosols, particulate matter, and other pollutants. UIVR also has potential for fluorescent imaging of cellular structures and biological tissue, industrial inspection equipment for product verification and test, laser machining and drilling, microlithography, tissue welding and wideband imaging systems. Potential customers include aerospace, biomedical, pharmaceuticals, environmental testing and monitoring, and other industries in the hyperspectral sensor market.