Night Owl Universal Optics for Uncooled LWIR Applications

Advanced Optical Systems, Inc. (AOS) offers an innovative approach to the development of universal, inexpensive optics for uncooled IR applications with their Night Owl design. The requirements of small f-number optics and variable focal length to ensureuniform testing of various uncooled IR detectors are investigated. The proposed Cassegrain style optics offers a multi-spectral system in a lightweight, compact package. Coupled with innovative replication techniques, the Night Owl System offerssignificant cost savings and has direct application to missile seekers.The development of universal optics for use in uncooled IR applications will:Provide a means of testing and characterizing uncooled IR detectors from multiple vendors; lead to areduction in operation and support costs in missiles and other military systems by proving uncooled detector technology; and lead to a reduction in production cost of low-cost, lightweight seeker elements for missiles.