Dual Band Optical Window (DBW) for Use on an EO/IR Airborne Camera

Abstract

This paper presents a method to derive the theoretical requirements for the development of a 400 mm optical window that transmits dual-band wavelengths and had a stable structure. We also present design and fabrication results. Among the required specifications, the surface figure error was defined by the transmitted wavefront deformation (TWD), λ/15 rms at 632.8 nm. This value was derived by estimating the predicted performances with respect to five independent items that could cause system performance degradation and then calculating the required wavefront error (WFE) to satisfy the performance goals. We measured the image resolution at each performance level to trace and verify the requirements. The article also describes a design optimization process that could minimize the weight and volume of the optical window attached to the payload securing the FOV of the camera. In addition, we accurately measured the deformation that occurred in the series of fabrication steps including processing, coating, assembly, bonding and bolting, and investigated the effects by comparing them to the results of a simulation performed in advance to derive the predicted performance.