Reduced Cost, Enhanced Degrees of Freedom Optics

A new optics technology platform will be developed that reduces the cost of dual-band short-wave infrared (SWIR) and mid-wave infrared (MWIR) optics for high-performance wide field of view (WFOV) imaging. The use of infrared optics has been increasingly adopted by the military, but the cost of wideband infrared optical systems remains a challenge. This study proposes to increase the available DOF by using surface-shaped gradient index (GRIN) optical materials that have variable refractive index within their volume and are capable of integrating the optical functions of multiple surfaced homogeneous index optics. TheseĀ capabilities will be demonstrated in the design of a large aperture WFOV polychromatic and dual-band (SWIR & MWIR) optical systems. Materials capable of operating over the 1-Ąm to 5-Ąm spectral range will be identified, and their spectral refractive index properties determined. The performance of compact and lightweight reduced element count optics will be modeled and simulated over a relevant temperature range, and their size, weight, and cost reduction benefits will be compared to like-performance dual-band optical systems. Proof-of-concept will be demonstrated through the fabrication of prototype GRIN optical elements that are operational over a portion of the spectral band.