LightPath Technologies Awarded Grant for Molded IR Lens

Orlando, Fla.-based optics maker LightPath Technologies Inc. announced today it has been awarded a multiyear, Phase II Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant from the Naval Air Warfare Center to develop less expensive molding technologies for infrared optical components. The initial grant of $80,000 and any subsequent awards will allow LightPath to expand its existing molding technology to include larger diameter lenses in the mid- and long-wavelength infrared spectrum. "Lower-cost infrared optics will enable new markets and applications in thermal imaging," said James Magos, vice president of sales and marketing for LightPath. "The US government and commercial industries are making significant investments in reducing infrared detector costs. This program is the first step in reducing the cost of optical components, which are a large factor in overall system design. The development program will enable larger infrared aspheric lenses and a broader market penetration."

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Published: October 2007

Glossary

aspheric: Not spherical; an optical element having one or more surfaces that are not spherical. The spherical surface of a lens may be slightly altered so as to reduce spherical aberration. Aspheric surfaces are frequently, but not necessarily, surfaces of revolution about the lens axis.
detector: 1. A device designed to convert the energy of incident radiation into another form for the determination of the presence of the radiation. The device may function by electrical, photographic or visual means. 2. A device that provides an electric output that is a useful measure of the radiation that is incident on the device.
infrared: Infrared (IR) refers to the region of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths longer than those of visible light, but shorter than those of microwaves. The infrared spectrum spans wavelengths roughly between 700 nanometers (nm) and 1 millimeter (mm). It is divided into three main subcategories: Near-infrared (NIR): Wavelengths from approximately 700 nm to 1.4 micrometers (µm). Near-infrared light is often used in telecommunications, as well as in various imaging and sensing...
optical: Pertaining to optics and the phenomena of light.
photonics: The technology of generating and harnessing light and other forms of radiant energy whose quantum unit is the photon. The science includes light emission, transmission, deflection, amplification and detection by optical components and instruments, lasers and other light sources, fiber optics, electro-optical instrumentation, related hardware and electronics, and sophisticated systems. The range of applications of photonics extends from energy generation to detection to communications and...
thermal imaging: Thermal imaging is a technology that detects infrared radiation (heat) emitted by objects and converts it into an image, known as a thermogram, which displays temperature variations in different colors. Unlike visible light imaging, thermal imaging does not require any ambient light and can be used in complete darkness or through obstructions such as smoke, fog, and certain materials. Thermal cameras use sensors to detect infrared radiation and generate images based on the temperature...
wavelength: Electromagnetic energy is transmitted in the form of a sinusoidal wave. The wavelength is the physical distance covered by one cycle of this wave; it is inversely proportional to frequency.

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