High-performance, wide-magnification-range IR zoom telescope with automatic compensation for temperature effects

A high performance IR zoom telescope with a 15:1 magnification ratio arid fully automatic compensation for changes in optical properties caused by changes in temperature has been developed. This novel IR zoom telescope is characterized by using of three moveable optical element groups, instead of two usually used. Magnification change in it is performed by moving these three optical groups in a predetermined manner with respect to two stationary lens elements. The positioning of the three movable lens groups is controlled by means of a computerized program. The required magnification and the measured system temperature comprise the inputs to the program. The main advantages of this new telescope design relative to existing IR zoom telescopes are: better MTF performance, reduced sensitivity of optical performance to temperature changes, small number of lenses, wider magnification range and high optical transmission.