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Standard Range Lenses - Barlow Exenders

Enhanced Lenses

During past several decades, L-3 Brashear manufactured and delivered more than 150 range lenses with focal lengths of 50, 100, and 150 inches (SR-50, SR-100, and SR-150 respectively). They have been widely used for training, testing, research, target detection and tracking at many test ranges and launch pads. We continue working on improving these products and plan to offer “Enhanced Lens Options” including:

1. Hyper Focal Lens (HFL)

The HFL increases the depth of field and resolution. It has been shown that non-Gaussian light beams have a good potential for longer focal depth and higher resolution imaging, particularly in limited visibility conditions. The depth of field of view, for example, can be increased 5 to 10 times and image “dancing” in turbulent atmospheric conditions reduced significantly. The latter improves image spatial resolution. All Brashear range lenses will be enhanced by adding a special snap-on waveplate, providing conversion to non-Gaussian light beams in order to increase the depth of field and spatial resolution. Currently, the waveplate for SR-50 is in production and will be tested in the lab and in the field during this year. The next step will be development of the waveplates for all models of our standard range lenses. High field depth is exceptionally important for tracking fast moving targets.

2. Broad Band Lens

The Broad Band Lens expands the spectral range to SWIR. Some of our range lenses have low aberrations, combined with acceptable performance of AR coating in a broad spectral range 0.4 – 3 microns. It would be beneficial for detecting/tracking targets to extend the work spectral band beyond the range of sensitivity of silicon detectors. The experiments are currently under way to couple an SR-100 lens with a SWIR one-megapixel video camera. Also, two cameras may be coupled to the same lens to cover a broad spectral band 0.4 – 3 microns in each acquired frame. Resulting images can be used separately or fused into a synthetic broadband image to increase the amount of detected details as well the detection range.

For further information, please contact L-3 Brashear