Freeform Optics for Small Arms Fire Control

Traditional spherical optics implemented on a common optical axis are the foundation of today’s fielded gunsights for small arms fire control. SA Photonics has helped pioneer the application of precision injection molded freeform optical surfaces in head/helmet mounted display (HMD) systems for augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and low light level sensor applications. SA Photonics teamed with the University of Rochester and Center for Freeform Optics (CeFO) will explore application of reflective and transmissive freeform optics to transform the traditional gunsight optics for small arms fire control systems. This project will explore the current processes and materials for 3D printing of freeform optical surfaces to evaluate whether they can be applied to prototyping of the freeform gunsight designs developed during this project. Designs will explore application of freeform surfaces into the objective system, erecting system and eyepiece system with goals of reduced complexity, size and weight, improved image resolution and wider spectral bandwidth.