What are the optical processing technologies in IR lenses for UAV photoelectric payload systems?

In addition to pairing with high-performance infrared detectors, infrared lenses for UAV payload systems incorporate the following advanced optical processing techniques:

This technology is used to produce high-precision aspherical surfaces and diffraction surfaces with special annular bands. Compared to spherical optics, aspheric lenses significantly improve optical performance in infrared optics. The diffraction surfaces attached to aspheric substrates can correct multiple aberrations, such as chromatic aberration and spherical aberration. Moreover, diamond turning allows multiple lens elements to be combined, thus reducing the overall size and weight.

Infrared multi-FOV or continuous zoom lenses are another method to reduce size and weight. They are smaller and lighter than using multiple single-field lenses. Additionally, continuous zoom lenses enable variable zoom during operations, allowing for wide-field searches for targets as well as narrow-field observation and tracking. This provides greater flexibility and enhanced performance in mission execution.

Durable anti-reflection (AR) coatings are key to enhancing the optical performance of the lenses without affecting their size or weight. Lens coatings can reduce reflection losses, maximize transmission, and suppress internal and external interference, thereby improving image contrast. Advanced coating technologies are employed to produce custom coatings to meet the demands of the UAV industry. While improving optical performance, these coatings must also offer reliable environmental adaptability.