Single-aperture multi-spectral reticle projector

• US 4,881,796 A
• Filed: 08/08/1988
• Issued: 11/21/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 08/08/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation (Martin Marietta Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Ford Aerospace Corporation
• Inventors: Brown, Robert J., Michika, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Arnold, Bruce Y.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SHAFER, RICKY D
• Application Number:
  US07/229,592
• Time in Patent Office: 470 Days
• Field of Search: 350/1.1, 350/166, 350/172, 350/174, 350/397, 350/566, 350/576
• US Class Current: 359/589
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 23/04 for the purpose of beam splitting or combining, e.g. fitted with eyepieces for more than one observer G02B23/10 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 23/12 with means for image conversion or intensification
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 23/2461 Illumination
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/32 Fiducial marks and measuring scales within the optical system

Abstract

A multi-spectral reticle projector coaxially projects two separate reticles at different wavelengths through a single aperture by using a lens system including a dichroic lens disposed coaxially between the two reticles. The visible light is reflected by the mirror and passes through the lens system twice, while the infrared light passes through the mirror and passes through the lens system once. At the output of the lens system, the two reticle images are superimposed, collinated and coaxial.

Claims

1. A single aperture multi-spectral reticle projector, comprising:

(a) first and second reticles;

(b) first illumination means for illuminating said first reticle with light of a first wavelength;

(c) second illumination means for illuminating said second reticle with light of a second wavelength; and

(d) a dichroic lens interposed between said reticles coaxially therewith, said dichroic lens being reflective at said first wavelength but transparent at said second wavelength;

(e) collimating lens means interposed coaxially between said first reticle and said dichroic lens for refracting the image of said first reticle on a passage therethrough and collimating said image on a second passage therethrough;

whereby collimated images of said first and second reticles are projected coaxially in the same direction by said dichroic lens.

2. The projector of claim 1, further comprising a concavoconvex lens interposed between said collimating lens means and said dichroic lens.

3. The projector of claim 2, in which said concavo-convex lens is bonded to said dichroic lens.

4. The projector of claim 1, further comprising a plano-convex lens interposed between said second illumination means and said dichroic lens, said second reticle being located on the plane.