MWIR continuous zoom with large zoom range

Abstract

Multiple fields of view are achieved by two methods. The system can have optical groups that flip in and out to change the field of view, and/or optical groups that move axially to change the field of view. For flip in systems, the fields of view are discreet and they may have greatly different fields of view. A zoom system can have a continuous change in the field of view, but is often limited in the field of view range that can be achieved. Corning Incorporated has developed a thermal imaging zoom system with greater than 30X zoom range. With a solid fundamental design and appropriate selection of moving group focal lengths, the zoom system provides continuous changes in the field of view from the narrow field of view to the wide field of view. Corning accomplished this result in a short package with just two moving groups. The system is for the MWIR band.