GB2553400A - Optronic Sensor Apparatus - Google Patents

Optronic Sensor Apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2553400A
GB2553400A GB1709252.9A GB201709252A GB2553400A GB 2553400 A GB2553400 A GB 2553400A GB 201709252 A GB201709252 A GB 201709252A GB 2553400 A GB2553400 A GB 2553400A
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Prior art keywords
mirror element
primary mirror
wavelength range
sensor apparatus
electromagnetic radiation
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GB1709252.9A
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GB201709252D0 (en
GB2553400B (en
Inventor
Gerken Martin
Muenzberg Mario
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Hensoldt Optronics GmbH
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Hensoldt Optronics GmbH
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B23/00—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices
    • G02B23/12—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices with means for image conversion or intensification
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/48—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S17/00
    • G01S7/481—Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D47/00—Equipment not otherwise provided for
    • B64D47/08—Arrangements of cameras
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
    • G01J1/00—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter
    • G01J1/02—Details
    • G01J1/04—Optical or mechanical part supplementary adjustable parts
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S17/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. lidar systems
    • G01S17/02—Systems using the reflection of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
    • G01S17/06—Systems determining position data of a target
    • G01S17/08—Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S17/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. lidar systems
    • G01S17/86—Combinations of lidar systems with systems other than lidar, radar or sonar, e.g. with direction finders
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/48—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S17/00
    • G01S7/481—Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements
    • G01S7/4811—Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements common to transmitter and receiver
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B13/00—Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
    • G02B13/14—Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below for use with infrared or ultraviolet radiation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B17/00—Systems with reflecting surfaces, with or without refracting elements
    • G02B17/08—Catadioptric systems
    • G02B17/0804—Catadioptric systems using two curved mirrors
    • G02B17/0808—Catadioptric systems using two curved mirrors on-axis systems with at least one of the mirrors having a central aperture
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B23/00—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices
    • G02B23/02—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices involving prisms or mirrors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/64—Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
    • G02B27/644—Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image compensating for large deviations, e.g. maintaining a fixed line of sight while a vehicle on which the system is mounted changes course
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B5/00—Optical elements other than lenses
    • G02B5/08—Mirrors
    • G02B5/0808—Mirrors having a single reflecting layer

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Astronomy & Astrophysics (AREA)
  • Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Lenses (AREA)
  • Telescopes (AREA)
  • Photometry And Measurement Of Optical Pulse Characteristics (AREA)

Abstract

An optronic sensor apparatus (1) having a number of adjacent sensor devices (3.1, 3.2, 4) that face a common entrance opening (2) of the optronic sensor apparatus (1), and having an optical beam path (5) between the entrance opening (2) and the sensor devices (3.1, 3.2, 4). The optronic sensor apparatus (1) comprises a first sensor device (4) having a spectral sensitivity for electromagnetic radiation in a first wavelength range and at least one further sensor device (3.1, 3.2) having a spectral sensitivity for electromagnetic radiation in at least one further wavelength range. A primary mirror element (6) arranged in the optical beam path (5), adapted at least in a partial region of its front surface (6.1), which faces the common entrance opening (2), to at least partially reflect electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength range, and adapted at least in a partial region to at least partially transmit electromagnetic radiation in the at least one further wavelength range.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Optronic Sensor Apparatus Abstract Title: Optronic sensor apparatus (57) An optronic sensor apparatus (1) having a number of adjacent sensor devices (3.1, 3.2, 4) that face a common entrance opening (2) of the optronic sensor apparatus (1), and having an optical beam path (5) between the entrance opening (2) and the sensor devices (3.1, 3.2, 4). The optronic sensor apparatus (1) comprises a first sensor device (4) having a spectral sensitivity for electromagnetic radiation in a first wavelength range and at least one further sensor device (3.1, 3.2) having a spectral sensitivity for electromagnetic radiation in at least one further wavelength range. A primary mirror element (6) arranged in the optical beam path (5), adapted at least in a partial region of its front surface (6.1), which faces the common entrance opening (2), to at least partially reflect electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength range, and adapted at least in a partial region to at least partially transmit electromagnetic radiation in the at least one further wavelength range.
Figure GB2553400A_D0001
Figure GB2553400A_D0002
Optronic sensor apparatus
The invention relates to an optronic sensor apparatus having a number of adjacent sensor devices which face a common entrance opening of the optronic sensor apparatus, and having an optical beam path between the entrance opening and the sensor devices. The invention likewise relates to an orientation-stabilized platform having an optronic sensor apparatus of this type.
Nowadays, in orientation-stabilized platforms, in particular gimbals, for example for use in helicopters or aeroplanes, dedicated installation spaces are frequently provided for different sensors, as a result of which the sensors must be arranged substantially next to one another. In optronic sensor apparatuses of this type, as many in particular different sensors as possible are intended to be accommodated (in particular day vision cameras/cameras in the visual range, sensors in the near infrared (NIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) range, sensors in the medium and far infrared range and laser rangefinders or the like). Another problem in addition to the great adjustment complexity is that large separate entrance openings of the optical units, as are necessary for large ranges or for high light intensities, cannot be implemented or can only be partially implemented. In addition, frequently the desire arises to be able to record different fields of view with the sensors, i.e. both comprehensive fields of view and smaller fields of view for example having an angular range of less than 1°.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an optronic sensor arrangement of the type mentioned in the introduction, having a compact and highly integrated design.
This object is achieved according to the invention by way of an optronic sensor apparatus having a number of adjacent sensor devices that face a common entrance opening of the optronic sensor apparatus, and having an optical beam path between the entrance opening and the sensor devices, which optronic sensor apparatus comprises at least:
- a first sensor device having a spectral sensitivity for electromagnetic radiation in a first wavelength range;
- at least one further sensor device having a spectral sensitivity for electromagnetic radiation in at least one further wavelength range; and
- a primary mirror element arranged in the optical beam path, adapted at least in a partial region of its front surface, which faces the common entrance opening, to at least partially reflect electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength range, and adapted at least in a partial region to at least partially transmit electromagnetic radiation in the at least one further wavelength range.
With the measures according to the invention, a highly integrated, in particular catadioptric system design for a combined imaging sensor or an image capturing system is created, in particular for use in a stabilized platform (e.g. a gimbal or the like). The combined imaging sensor can have a thermal imaging device, a near infrared/shortwave infrared camera, a day vision camera or a camera in the visual range, and/or a laser rangefinder or the like. The entrance pupil of the first sensor device can be implemented as a mirror system, as it were. The main mirror, or primary mirror, can reflectively image the radiation in the first wavelength range onto a secondary mirror or the like. From here, the radiation can be imaged onto the first sensor device or onto an input optics of the first sensor device. The primary mirror is entirely or at least locally transmissive for the electromagnetic radiation in the further wavelength ranges of the further sensor devices, such that the further sensor devices can be placed behind the primary mirror in the direction of incidence of the incoming light so as to optimize installation space. As a result, advantageously no large separate entrance openings for the optical units are necessary. In the present invention, the installation space in front view is initially used primarily for the input opening of the first sensor device. As a result, a high performance can be attained in small fields of view. However, since the main mirror or the primary mirror element transmits radiation in the at least one further wavelength range, further sensors can be placed into the installation space behind the primary mirror or on the rear side of the primary mirror that faces away from the entrance opening. Consequently, a greater performance or resolution or range of all the sensor devices used can be achieved with the same installation space. The entrance opening can - as a region that is transparent for the electromagnetic radiation in the first and further wavelength ranges - have an entrance window or the like or be configured as an entrance window.
In one advantageous configuration of the invention, the optronic sensor apparatus can furthermore comprise a secondary mirror element, which at least in a partial region of its front face is adapted to at least partially reflect electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength range and which is able to be arranged in the optical beam path with its front face facing the primary mirror element such that it forms, together with the primary mirror element, a reflective telescope, wherein the electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength range that is incident through the entrance opening is at least partially imaged or guided by the primary mirror element onto the secondary mirror element and from here onto the first sensor device or onto an input optics of the first sensor device.
If the secondary mirror element is present in the optical beam path, the primary mirror element and the secondary mirror element can be adapted to together form a mirror telescope such that the radiation in the first wavelength range that is incident through the entrance opening is imaged or guided at least partially by the primary mirror element onto the secondary mirror element and from here onto the first sensor device or onto an input optics of the first sensor device. The primary mirror and the secondary mirror can thus together form e.g. a reflective telescope, as a result of which, owing to the folded optical beam path between the entrance opening and the first sensor device, a long focal length can be attained, in particular for smaller fields of view with an angular range of for example 0.5 to 2°.
The reflective telescope can be configured in the form of a Cassegrain telescope or of a Schiefspiegler. In the present case, Cassegrain telescopes are also intended to include Schmidt Cassegrain telescopes, wherein in the latter case existing Schmidt corrector plate should be taken into consideration.
It is highly advantageous if at least one partial region of a rear face or rear-side face of the primary mirror element, which rear face faces the at least one further sensor device, and/or at least part of an input optics of the at least one further sensor device are adapted to at least approximately or at least approximately entirely correct image errors that are induced by way of the primary mirror element during the transmission of the radiation in the at least one further wavelength range.
The primary mirror element can consist of a front face, which is shaped according to the requirements of the first sensor device, the mirror body and the rear-side face. The primary mirror element can be a spherical mirror or another collecting mirror. As the light passes through the primary mirror element, image errors can occur. These can advantageously be compensated for already by way of the rear face of the primary mirror element itself and/or using an input optics of the at least one further sensor device.
The at least one partial region of the rear face of the primary mirror element can have a suitable shape for the correction of the induced image errors and/or be provided with an optical correction element, in particular a correction lens, a computergenerated hologram (CGH) or the like. Image errors that are induced as the electromagnetic radiation in the further wavelength range passes through the primary mirror element can consequently be simply and effectively minimized or corrected by way of suitably shaping the rear face of the primary mirror element or by applying a correction element, such as for example a correction lens or a computer-generated hologram.
It is advantageous if the secondary mirror element can be inserted into and removed from the optical beam path.
The secondary mirror can be configured such that it is able to be removed or interchanged or pivoted out, as a result of which different fields of view can be provided for the first sensor device. Long focal lengths are necessary to be able to obtain small fields of view and large ranges. This can be achieved when using the secondary mirror element by way of the telescope arrangement which is produced in conjunction with the primary mirror element. If the secondary mirror element is removed from the optical beam path, a larger field of view with less range is produced for the first sensor device. Here, a purely refractive system can be used.
At least one further optical element or optical assembly can be able to be inserted into or removed from the optical beam path.
Instead of the secondary mirror element, it is consequently possible to pivot into the optical beam path for example a filter, a lens or a lens group in order to achieve a changed field of view.
The front face of the primary mirror element can have an aspherical shape, in particular the aspherical front face can be shaped according to the requirements of the first sensor device.
The primary mirror element can have a cutout or a region that is transparent for the electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength range.
The front face of the primary mirror element can have a coating. It is possible to hereby achieve that the primary mirror element can at least partially reflect electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength range.
The primary mirror element and/or a coating of the front face of the primary mirror element can have a reflectance R of > 50% for electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength range.
The primary mirror element and/or a coating of the primary mirror element can furthermore have a transmittance T of > 50% for electromagnetic radiation in the at least one further wavelength range.
It is highly advantageous if the coating includes indium tin oxide. It is possible with such a coating to meet the requirements of the primary mirror element with respect to reflection and transmission.
It is advantageous if the first wavelength range λ is > 3 pm, in particular 3 pm < λ < 5 pm or 7.5 pm < λ < 12 pm.
By selecting λ to be greater than 3 pm for the first wavelength range, it is advantageously possible with a thermal imaging device as the first sensor device to achieve small fields of view with high resolution, due to the telescope arrangement of the primary mirror element and the secondary mirror element.
The further wavelength range λ can be < 3 pm. The at least one further sensor device can thus be a day vision camera or camera in the visual range, an NIR camera, an SWIR camera or a laser rangefinder.
The optronic sensor apparatus according to the invention or the combined imaging sensor can thus consist of a thermal imaging device, NIR/SWIR cameras, a day vision camera and a laser distance measuring instrument or a laser pointer/target designator.
The primary mirror element can include optical glass.
Claim 15 specifies an orientation-stabilized platform having an optronic sensor apparatus according to the invention.
Advantageous configurations and developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.
An exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described below in principle with reference to the drawing.
In the drawing:
Figure 1 shows a schematic lateral section view of an optronic sensor apparatus according to the invention, which is placed in a gimbal; and figure 2 shows a schematic front view of the optronic sensor apparatus according to figure 1.
Figure 1 shows an optronic sensor apparatus 1 according to the invention, which is arranged in an orientation-stabilized platform, for example a gimbal for a helicopter or the like, having a number of adjacent sensor devices 3.1, 3.2, 4 which face a common entrance opening 2 of the optronic sensor apparatus 1, which opening comprises an entrance window 2.1, and having an optical beam path 5 between the entrance opening 2 and the sensor devices 3.1, 3.2, 4. The optronic sensor apparatus 1 has a first sensor device, configured as a thermal imaging device 4, having a spectral sensitivity for electromagnetic radiation in a first wavelength range of λ > 3 pm, in particular 3 pm < λ < 5 pm or 7.5 pm < λ < 12 pm. Moreover, further sensor devices, configured as a day vision camera 3.1 and as a laser rangefinder 3.2, having a spectral sensitivity for electromagnetic radiation in a further wavelength range, in particular λ < 3 pm, are provided. In further exemplary embodiments, the further sensor device 3.1 could also be configured as an NIR camera or an SWIR camera. In addition, the further sensor device 3.2 could, in further exemplary embodiments (not illustrated), also be configured in the form of a laser detector, pathfinder or the like. Additionally, further sensor devices 3.3, 3.4, configured in particular as an NIR camera, an SWIR camera, a laser detector, a target designator or the like, can be present (indicated by dashed lines in figure 2).
Arranged in the optical beam path 5 is a primary mirror element 6, which at least in a partial region of its front face 6.1 facing the common entrance opening 2 is adapted to at least partially reflect electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength range and which is adapted, at least in a partial region, to at least partially transmit electromagnetic radiation in the further wavelength range. The optronic sensor apparatus 1 moreover has a secondary mirror element 7, which at least in a partial region of its front face 7.1 is adapted to at least partially reflect radiation in the first wavelength range and which is able to be arranged in the optical beam path 5 in a manner in which its front face 7.1 faces the primary mirror element 6 or the front face
6.1 thereof such that, in conjunction with the primary mirror element 6, it forms a reflective telescope which is designed in the present case as a Cassegrain telescope, wherein the electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength range that is incident through the entrance opening 2 is at least partially imaged or guided by the primary mirror element 6 onto the secondary mirror element 7 and from here onto the thermal imaging device 4 or onto an input optics 4.1 of the thermal imaging device 4. In further exemplary embodiments (not illustrated), the secondary mirror element 7 can also form, in conjunction with the primary mirror element 6, a reflective telescope that is designed in the form of a Schiefspiegler. The secondary mirror element 7 in that case is no longer located in the optical axis of the primary mirror element 6. As a result, it is possible to prevent the secondary mirror element 7 from obstructing part ofthe primary mirror element 6. Not only does this eliminate the low loss of light, it mainly prevents disturbing diffraction at the secondary mirror element 7 or its mount. The mirror elements 6, 7 can in this case be arranged e.g. in tilted fashion or have a corresponding shape, where a beam path which extends obliquely is produced. The thermal imaging device 4 and/or the input optics 4.1 of the thermal imaging device 4 can in that case be arranged in correspondingly different fashion (for example laterally).
At least one partial region of a rear face 6.2 of the primary mirror element 6 that faces the further sensor devices 3.1, 3.2 and/or at least part of an input optics 3.11 of the day vision camera 3.1 are adapted to at least approximately correct image errors introduced by the primary mirror element 6 during transmission of the electromagnetic radiation in the further wavelength range.
The at least one partial region of the rear face 6.2 of the primary mirror element 6 can have a shape that is suitable for correcting the induced image errors and/or be provided with an optical correction element, in particular a correction lens, a computer-generated hologram or the like (not illustrated further).
In the figures, elements having identical functions are provided with the same reference signs.
Figure 2 shows a schematic front view of the optronic sensor apparatus 1. The thermal imaging device 4 or the input optical unit 4.1 thereof is not shown in figure 2, or is obstructed by the secondary mirror element 7.
In further exemplary embodiments (not illustrated), the secondary mirror element 7 can be able to be inserted into the optical beam path 5 and to be removed therefrom, or be able to be pivoted in and out. As a result, the fields of view or focal lengths for the thermal imaging device 4 can advantageously be changed. At least one further optical element or optical assembly can be able to be inserted into and removed from the optical beam path.
In the present exemplary embodiment, the front face 6.1 of the primary mirror element 6 has an aspherical shape. In further exemplary embodiments, the front face
6.1 of the primary mirror element 6 can also have a different shape.
As can furthermore be seen from figure 1, the primary mirror element 6 has a cutout 6.3 for the thermal imaging device 4 or for the input optics of the thermal imaging device 4. In further exemplary embodiments (not illustrated), the primary mirror element 6 can also have a region that is transparent for the electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength range.
The primary mirror element 6 or the mirror body thereof can be formed from an optical glass.
The front face 6.1 of the primary mirror element 6 has a coating 6.4.
The primary mirror element 6 and/or the coating 6.4 of the front face 6.1 of the primary mirror element 6 can have a reflectance R > 50% for electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength range.
The primary mirror element 6 and/or the coating 6.4 of the front face 6.1 of the primary mirror element 6 can moreover have a transmittance T > 50% for electromagnetic radiation in the at least one further wavelength range.
Advantageously, the coating 6.4 includes indium tin oxide. It is possible with such a coating 6.4 to achieve the required reflectance and transmittance.
List of reference signs optronic sensor apparatus
1.1 orientation-stabilized platform
2 common entrance opening
2.1 entrance window
3.1 day vision camera
3.11 input optics of the day vision camera
3.2 laser rangefinder
3.3 further sensor device
3.4 further sensor device thermal imaging device
4.1 input optics of the thermal imaging device optical beam path
6 primary mirror element
6.1 front face of the primary mirror element
6.2 rear face of the primary mirror element
6.3 cutout in the primary mirror element
6.4 coating on the primary mirror element
7 secondary mirror element
7.1 front face of the secondary mirror element

Claims (15)

Patent claims:
1. Optronic sensor apparatus (1) having a number of adjacent sensor devices (3.1, 3.2, 4) that face a common entrance opening (2) of the optronic sensor apparatus (1) , and having an optical beam path (5) between the entrance opening (2) and the sensor devices (3.1, 3.2, 4), comprising at least:
- a first sensor device (4) having a spectral sensitivity for electromagnetic radiation in a first wavelength range;
- at least one further sensor device (3.1,3.2) having a spectral sensitivity for electromagnetic radiation in at least one further wavelength range; and
- a primary mirror element (6) arranged in the optical beam path (5), adapted at least in a partial region of its front surface (6.1), which faces the common entrance opening (2), to at least partially reflect electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength range, and adapted at least in a partial region to at least partially transmit electromagnetic radiation in the at least one further wavelength range.
2. Optronic sensor apparatus (1) according to Claim 1, furthermore comprising a secondary mirror element (7), which at least in a partial region of its front face (7.1) is adapted to at least partially reflect electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength range and which is able to be arranged in the optical beam path (5) with its front face (7.1) facing the primary mirror element (6) such that it forms, together with the primary mirror element (6), a reflective telescope, wherein the electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength range that is incident through the entrance opening (2) is at least partially imaged by the primary mirror element (6) onto the secondary mirror element (7) and from here onto the first sensor device (4) or onto an input optics (4.1) of the first sensor device (4).
3. Optronic sensor apparatus (1) according to Claim 2, wherein the reflecting telescope is designed in the form of a Cassegrain telescope or of a Schiefspiegler.
4. Optronic sensor apparatus (1) according to Claim 1,2 or 3, wherein at least one partial region of a rear face (6.2) of the primary mirror element (6), which rear face faces the at least one further sensor device (3.1, 3.2), and/or at least part of an input optics (3.11) of the at least one further sensor device (3.1) are adapted to at least approximately correct image errors that are induced by way of the primary mirror element (6) during the transmission of the electromagnetic radiation in the at least one further wavelength range.
5. Optronic sensor apparatus (1) according to Claim 4, wherein the at least one partial region of the rear face (6.2) of the primary mirror element (6) has a suitable shape for the correction of the induced image errors and/or is provided with an optical correction element, in particular a correction lens, a computer-generated hologram or the like.
6. Optronic sensor apparatus (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the primary mirror element (6) has a cutout (6.3) or a region that is transparent for the electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength range.
7. Optronic sensor apparatus (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the front face (6.1) of the primary mirror element (6) has a coating (6.4).
8. Optronic sensor apparatus (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the primary mirror element (6) and/or a coating (6.4) of the front face (6.1) of the primary mirror element (6) has a reflectance R of > 50% for electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength range.
9. Optronic sensor apparatus (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the primary mirror element (6) and/or a coating (6.4) of the front face (6.1) of the primary mirror element (6) has a transmittance T of > 50% for electromagnetic radiation in the at least one further wavelength range.
10. Optronic sensor apparatus (1) according to one of Claims 7, 8 and 9, wherein the coating (6.4) includes indium tin oxide.
11. Optronic sensor apparatus (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the first wavelength range λ is > 3 pm, in particular 3 pm < λ < 5 pm or 7.5 pm < λ < 12 pm.
12. Optronic sensor apparatus (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the
5 further wavelength range λ is < 3 pm.
13. Optronic sensor apparatus (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the first sensor device is a thermal imaging device (4).
10
14. Optronic sensor apparatus (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one further sensor device is a day vision camera (3.1), an NIR camera, an SWIR camera or a laser rangefinder (3.2).
15. Orientation-stabilized platform (1.1) having an optronic sensor apparatus (1)
15 according to one of Claims 1 to 14.
Intellectual
Property
Office
Application No: GB1709252.9 Examiner: Mr Richard Nicholls
GB1709252.9A 2016-06-10 2017-06-09 Optronic Sensor Apparatus Active GB2553400B (en)

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