Liquid Crystal Active Optics for Military Imaging Systems

Abstract

There are inherent tradeoffs in size, weight, and adaptability for many military imaging systems. In some cases, active optical devices provide new alternatives external to the traditional trade-space. Applications of interest include remote wide-area surveillance, tactical use of high altitude and space-based sensors, remote navigation of unmanned ground and air vehicles, and night vision systems.My goal is to demonstrate that by augmenting or replacing static dioptric, catatropic, or catadioptric optical designs, mechanical complexity can be reduced while either maintaining or increasing performance in three areas:(1). Spectral Resolution(2). Spatial Resolution(3). MagnificationI present here three different imaging systems to showcase these capabilities.