GB1374765A - Optical apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

1374765 Optical apparatus RANK ORGANISATION Ltd 22 Dec 1971 [5 Jan 1971] 402/71 Heading G2J An optical image-forming arrangement comprises a spherically curved concave mirror 1 adapted to focus incident light in a spherically curved image plane 7 concentric with the mirror, a fibre optic element 6 for transferring the image to an output 8, and a gimbal mounted at 4 to pivot about the centre of curvature 3 of the mirror, the gimbal supporting, by members 5, the input end of the element 6. The element 6 is preferably a coherent bundle, and its input end is shaped to conform to the plane 7. The output end is flat and may be viewed directly or coupled to a camera or vidicon tube. The mounting 4 defines an aperture stop in which is mounted at least one refracting element 2, e.g. a Schmitt correcting plate, for correcting aberration. Three applications are described, namely image stabilization, searching over a wide angle and correcting image faults due to defects in the optic bundle 6. In the first, the output end of the element 6 is fixed, and the input end is moved in correspondence with movements in the image due to vibration, e.g. through a gyroscope and servodrive device acting on the gimbal. In the second, which may be combined with the first, e.g. in a gunsight, the mirror 1 extends over at least 120 degrees, preferably 160 degrees, in at least in one direction transverse to the optic axis, and the input end of the element 6 is mounted to sweep the plane 7. In the third embodiment, both ends of the element 6 are vibrated in synchronism.