Wide Angle Lens Array Night Vision Optics

The Naval Special Warfare Visual Augmentation Systems program has an interest in developing an 80 degree field of view (FOV) aviator night vision system (ANVIS) to more closely match the panoramic viewing capability of the unaided human eye. Standard ANVIS and night vision goggles, which are based on conventional optics, have only a 40° degree FOV. Increasing the FOV using conventional optical techniques would result in large, heavy systems that can cause neck strain in pilots. The Spectral Imaging Laboratory (SPILAB) proposes the development of curved lens array optics as a means of increasing the FOV while decreasing size, weight, and cost. The new lens array optics would have the additional advantage of an infinite depth of field. This could benefit pilots by enabling them to read nearby instrument panels through the optical system without the need to adjust focus when viewing outside the cockpit window.