The proposed research relates to the reduction in number of elements and increase of performance of optical systems. by adding a spatial index of refraction distribution (gradient-index), the number of elements could be substantially reduced. in the proposed research, design analysis will be… More

The integration of optical cam system parameters directly into optical cad programs is examined. with optical cam systems emerging, it is important to be able to represent the family of surfaces which can be produced on the optical cam in an optical cad program. mathematical models will be derived… More

The purpose of the proposed research is to understand the trade-offs between gradient-index optical systems and aspheric systems. in the case of gradient-index systems, it is known that certain additional degrees of freedom exist which make radial gradients more useful than axial gradients and that… More

The primary technical objective of this research is to design fiber optic connectors which incorporate sol-gel made grin lenses which can withstand the high temperature and vibration which is present in a military aircraft engine. the secondary objective will be to identify those sol-gel systems… More

The primary objective of this development project is to improve the designs for direct view optical sights which incorporates non-linear optical switches, sacrifical mirrors or other optical limiters placed in the focal plane to provide laser eye protection. this is done by increasing the speed of… More

The project describes a research program for wavelength stabilization of a laser diode for use in a distance measuring intreferometer or related device. the long range benefits of this program are a low cost linear distance measuring interferometer for use in precision machine tools, semiconductor… More

Radial gradient index (grin) lenses have a refractive index profile which varies radially outward from the optical axis. high numerical aperture grin lenses use glasses containing thallium oxide. the refractive index gradient is produced by ion exchange of potassium, k +, from a molten salt bath,… More

GLC will perform a systematic study of the use of GRIN lenses in wide field of view night vision goggles. Gradient index optical materials have been shown to reduce the number of optical elements and the size and weight of the entire optical system for rifle scopes, camera objective lenses,… More