Precision Metric Zoom Lens
Continuous Zoom All-Reflective Telescope
SA is developing the Zoometric Lens™, an advanced, versatile, precision metric zoom telescope with remote capability for controlling zoom, focus, and iris. This long range telescope provides continuous smooth zoom for tracking high speed objects. With this system, only a single instrument is needed to track an object over its entire trajectory. Because of the unique all-reflective optical design, the Zoometric Lens™ can cover an extended wavelength range, providing not only visible data, but infrared imagery as well.
LSA’s unique, all-reflective, zoom telescope overcomes the problems of
fixed focal length systems for tracking high-speed and maneuverable
objects. Continuous smooth zoom operation prevents loss of image data
or dropout of signals, which currently occurs during dynamic scale
shifting operations associated with changing range, and switching of
imaging instrumentation. Leveraging special properties of reflective
optics, LSA’s Zoometric Lens™ provides automatic zoom, focus, and iris
control over a varying mission range, such as during spacecraft launch.
When mounted on a compatiple tracking mount, the Zoometric Lens™ can
follow an object and maintain a consistent size on the image sensor
throughout the flight path within the zoom range. The optics were
designed using ZEMAX® optical design program to provide rapid and smooth
focal length change in an all-reflective lens. The system components
were designed to provide precision measurements of captured imagery.
The tracking precision which results from this innovation offers
solutions to challenges in ballistic missile defense tracking,
infrared imaging, tracking photography, and free-space optical
communications.