SBIR-STTR Award

Phase I study of the feasibility of developing a zoom lens as described in SBIR topic n86-154 is proposed. The objective of this study is to investigate alternative configurations to find the one most effective in minimizing production cost, size, and weight while offering appropriate optical characteristics and performance, remotely adjustable focal length of 12 to 30 mm, aperture of f/4, and fields commensurate with imaging on commercially available 8.8 mm square CCD detector arrays of 60 mm barrel length will be taken as typical specifications subject to refinement during discussions with cognizant navy personnel following contract award. Configurations to be studied will be chosen from the wide experience of the principal investigator in the design, production, and quality control of commercial in the design, production, and quality control of commercial cinematographic zoom lenses and of specialized optics for military applications. Key design considerations include aberration balance.

Phase II development of an optimized zoom lens assembly as described in SBIR topic n86-154 and shown through Phase I study to be feasible but with improved and extended parameters and performance is proposed. One overall objective of this development is to finalize the new optical design and to demonstrate analytically that this lens offers appropriate optical characteristics and performance and random, within tolerance variations of manufacturing parameters. Remotely adjustable focal length of 15 to 75 mm and 30 to 150 mm (5x zoom range with 2x extender), fixed aperture of f/1.8, minimum barrel length, minimum diameter, minimum optical element weight and field of view commensurate with imaging on commercially available 6.6 x 8.8 mm ccd detector arrays are prime characteristics. A second overall objective of the contract is to develop a final mechanical design for the lens assembly and to deliver prints of manufacturing drawings from which prototypes can be built. Fabrication of hardware is not included in this proposal.