Bi-polymer infrared optics for high-G applications

US8567969B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Raytheon Company · US

Inventors

• John A. Thomas · Salvador, BR
• Thomas Lind · Rieneck, DE
• Ronald L. Roncone · Vail, US
• Gary H. Johnson · Tucson, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 10, 2012
• Grant date: Oct 29, 2013
• Expiry date: Jun 29, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/4998
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Optical systems configured to withstand operation in high acceleration and varying temperature environments, and methods of assembling the same. In one example, an imaging optical apparatus includes a primary minor made of an unreinforced polymer, a secondary mirror made of the unreinforced polymer and optically coupled to the primary minor, a field lens optically coupled to the secondary minor, and a strut having a plurality of cross-struts and mounting features configured to mount the primary minor, the secondary mirror and the field lens. In some examples, the imaging optical apparatus further includes an outer retainer disposed behind the primary minor and coupled to the strut, and an inner retainer disposed behind the field lens and coupled to the strut, the outer and inner retainers configured to structurally support the primary minor and the field lens and to accommodate deflections of the primary minor.