Clear Align, developer and producer of electro-optic products to collect reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence data for aerospace, homeland security and defense applications, has introduced its new series of Featherweight systems parts and lenses at the SPIE Defense, Security and Sensors (DSS) show.
Clear Align's Featherweight is based on the technology utilized in the company’s INSPIRE series of pre-designed, ultra-performance SWIR lenses. Its weight, size and performance attributes make it suitable for applications in unmanned arial vehicles and man-portable systems.
The INSPIRE series of SWIR lenses have F-numbers of 1.0. Their Modulation Transfer Function surpasses industry specifications, allowing them to offer superior resolution imaging for infrared tracking, rescue and search, night vision, and other purposes across the imaging band range of 0.6 to 1.7 µm. The lenses are athermalized between -40° C and +75° C and their strong, lightweight mechanical design enable them to resist adverse conditions.
According to Michael Finlan, who works as Vice President of Imaging at Clear Align, a combination of patented coating technology, materials selection and enhanced optical designs have reduced the weight of Featherweight lenses by 25% to 50%, while decreasing the overall size and enhancing the thermal performance.
The President and Chief Executive Officer of Clear Align, Angelique X. Irvin stated that the new technology can be used for a wide range of applications, including SEIR lenses to cameras, scopes and any kind of applications demanding thermal stability and reduced weight.