The design of SWIR imaging lenses using plastic optics

R. Hamilton Shepard

doi:10.1117/12.928708

19 October 2012 The design of SWIR imaging lenses using plastic optics

R. Hamilton Shepard

Proceedings Volume 8489, Polymer Optics and Molded Glass Optics: Design, Fabrication, and Materials II; 84890A (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.928708
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2012, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Plastic lenses are widely used in visible imaging systems and provide a number of advantages including reduced weight. However, their use in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) has been limited due to the presence of strong material absorption bands occurring at wavelengths above 1 micron. This paper explores the viability of using plastic optics in broadband SWIR imaging applications and the efficacy of using plastic lenses as a method of weight reduction. A design study is presented to reveal combinations of plastic and glass lenses suitable for aberration correction. Weight savings is quantified via a comparison to glass lenses to investigate the trade-off between using lower density plastic materials and the faster F/#s (i.e. larger lenses) required to compensate for the signal loss caused by their absorption.

Citation Download Citation

R. Hamilton Shepard "The design of SWIR imaging lenses using plastic optics", Proc. SPIE 8489, Polymer Optics and Molded Glass Optics: Design, Fabrication, and Materials II, 84890A (19 October 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.928708

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