chapter 9, Summary of Applications

Excerpt

The applications of the refractive and reflective zoom systems presented in this tutorial text are summarized in this chapter.

9.1 Scene Projection and Simulation

One important application is in the realistic testing of advanced missiles. This can be achieved with an electro-optical system that operates in the 3- to 5-μm or 8- to 12-μm waveband and reproduces an object moving with respect to a sky background, as it is seen by an approaching missile. An infrared zoom lens simulates the closing distance between the missile and the target. Refer to Secs. 6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.1.3, 6.1.4, 6.5.2, 7.2.2, and 7.2.4.

9.2 Wide and Narrow Field of View Scanning Telescopes for Target Search and Recognition

The zoom capability is utilized for target acquisition in the WFOV mode of operation and for recognition in the NFOV at the long focal length position. The zoom lens system utilizes a scanning mirror to scan the object field of view. The afocal telescope in Sec. 6.2.3 is designed to operate as an attachment to the common module FLIR. Refer to Secs. 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 6.2.3, 6.2.4, 6.2.5, 6.2.6, 6.2.7.1, 6.2.7.2, 6.2.7.3, 6.2.8, 6.2.9, 6.2.10, 6.2.11, 6.5.4, 6.5.5, 6.5.6, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, and 7.2.1.

9.3 WFOV and NFOV FPA or CCD Surveillance, Tracking, and Target Recognition

An FPA or CCD provides coverage over the object field of view without the need of a scanning mirror in front of the zoom lens system. Array sizes as large as 256 × 256, 512 × 512, 1028 × 1028 and larger have been fabricated for use with these optical systems. Refer to Secs. 6.5.1, 6.5.3, 6.6.1, 6.6.2, 6.6.3.

9.4 Battlefield Detection of Enemy Soldiers and Armaments

A zoom lens located on a tank or other mobile weapon system can detect enemy soldiers and armaments in the field of battle. Refer to Sec. 6.3.1.