Micro-optics Lens Array-Based Eyepiece and Objective Lens

In response to Navy Naval Special Warfare Visual Augmentation Systems (VAS) Program needs for developing and prototyping microlens array (MLA) optical components such as eyepiece lenses with wide field of view to be used in Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Micro Optics Lens Array-based eyepiece and objective lens (MOLA) for NVG with increased field of view (>40 deg) based on a unique combination of coaxially and concentrically arranged MLA to achieve compact form factor and with the eye box size of up to 40 mm. In addition, POC's innovative MLA self-aligned assembly technique by molding, requiring high-precision alignment of these components, can be easily achieved. In Phase I, POC will develop a design of MOLA and prove the feasibility of the proposed approach by demonstrating prototypes of an optical component using commercial-off-the-shelf MLA technology and analyses of performance in comparison to conventional bulk optics for NVGs. In Phase II, POC will finalize the design, development, and evaluation of MOLA prototypes for a traditional NVG device and develop and evaluate a MOLA eyepiece components for a wide horizontal field of view (>80 deg) NVG.