Design, demonstration and testing of low F-number LWIR panoramic imaging relay optics

Orges Furxhi, Joe Frascati, Ronald Driggers

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Panoramic imaging is inherently wide field of view. High sensitivity uncooled Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) imaging requires low F-number optics. These two requirements result in short back working distance designs that, in addition to being costly, are challenging to integrate with commercially available uncooled LWIR cameras and cores. Common challenges include the relocation of the shutter flag, custom calibration of the camera dynamic range and NUC tables, focusing, and athermalization. Solutions to these challenges add to the system cost and make panoramic uncooled LWIR cameras commercially unattractive. In this paper, we present the design of Panoramic Imaging Relay Optics (PIRO) and show imagery and test results with one of the first prototypes. PIRO designs use several reflective surfaces (generally two) to relay a panoramic scene onto a real, donut-shaped image. The PIRO donut is imaged on the focal plane of the camera using a commercially-off-the-shelf (COTS) low F-number lens. This approach results in low component cost and effortless integration with pre-calibrated commercially available cameras and lenses.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationInfrared Imaging Systems
Subtitle of host publicationDesign, Analysis, Modeling, and Testing XXIX
EditorsKeith A. Krapels, Gerald C. Holst
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510617612
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes
EventInfrared Imaging Systems: Design, Analysis, Modeling, and Testing XXIX 2018 - Orlando, United States
Duration: Apr 17 2018Apr 18 2018

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume10625
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceInfrared Imaging Systems: Design, Analysis, Modeling, and Testing XXIX 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period4/17/184/18/18

Keywords

  • LWIR panoramic imaging
  • omni-directional camera
  • panoramic
  • relay optics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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