Patent US4790637A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4790637A
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US
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Color-corrected catadioptric systems
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp
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Filing: 1986-12-12
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Granted: 1988-12-13
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Expires: 2006-12-12
Abstract
Abstract A method is described for selecting optical materials to use in designing color-corrected optical systems. Various dioptric, catadioptric and anamorphic optical systems are described, which use only two different types of optical materials to obtain precise axial color correction at three, four or five wavelengths (depending upon the particular optical materials), with only very small chromatic aberration occurring at wavelengths between the precisely color-corrected wavelengths. Examples of color-corrected lens systems comprising more than two glasses are also described.
Inventors
- 👤 Romeo I. Mercado
- 👤 Paul N. Robb
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 18:36
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B13/00; G02B1/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 35
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
A catadioptric optical system color-corrected at more than three discrete wavelengths, said system comprising a plurality of refractive elements disposed along an optic axis for said system, said refractive elements being made from only two different optical materials, at least one of said refractive elements being made of a first one of said made of a second one of said optical materials, said first and second ones of said optical materials having different indices of refraction, said refractive elements coacting with each other so that paraxial marginal rays passing through said system come to a focus at said more than three wavelengths.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
A catadioptric optical system color-corrected at more than three discrete wavelengths, said system comprising a plurality of refractive elements disposed along an optic axis for said system, said refractive elements being made from only two different optical materials, at least one of said refractive elements being made of a first one of said made of a second one of said optical materials, said first and second ones of said optical materials having different indices of refraction, said refractive elements coacting with each other so that paraxial marginal rays passing through said system come to a focus at said more than three wavelengths.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The optical system of claim 1 wherein said catadioptric system comprises a Mangin mirror.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
58 words
A catadioptric optical system, said system comprising a plurality of refractive elements disposed along an optic axis, each of said refractive elements being rotationally symmetric about said axis, said refractive elements coacting with each other so that paraxial marginal rays passing through said system have a common focal length along said axis for more than three optical wavelengths.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
A catadioptric optical system, said system comprising a plurality of refractive elements disposed along an optic axis, each of said refractive elements being rotationally symmetric about said axis, said refractive elements coacting with each other so that paraxial marginal rays passing through said system have a common focal length along said axis for more than three optical wavelengths.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The catadioptric system of claim 3, said system comprising lens elements made of different optical materials, a surface portion of one of said lens elements having a coating that reflects optical wavelengths incident thereon from within said one lens element.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
67 words
The catadioptric system of claim 4 comprising a first lens element and a second lens element, said first and second lens elements being positioned in contact with each other to define first, second and third surfaces, said first lens element being bounded by said first and second surfaces, said second lens element being bounded by said second and third surfaces, said third surface having said reflective coating.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
67 words
The catadioptric system of claim 5 wherein said first lens element is made of an optical material having a refractive index of approximately 1.46 and an Abbe number of approximately 90.32 at a base wavelength of 0.546 micrometers, and said second lens element is made of an optical material having a refractive index of approximately 1.47 and an Abbe number of approximately 65.49 at said base wavelength.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
96 words
The catadioptric system of claim 6 having a design form wherein said first surface has a negative radius of curvature of approximately 0.958 times the focal length of said system, said second surface has a positive radius of curvature of approximately 4.200 times said focal length, said third surface has a negative radius of curvature of approximately 1.572 times said focal length, said first lens element having a thickness along said axis of approximately 0.036 times said focal length, said second lens element having a thickness along said axis of approximately 0.057 times said focal length.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
66 words
The catadioptric system of claim 5 wherein said first lens element is made of optical material having a refractive index of approximately 1.67 and an Abbe number of approximately 47.97 at a base wavelength of 0.546 micrometers, and said second lens element is made of an optical material having a refractive index of approximately 1.57 and an Abbe number of approximately 42.57 at said base wavelength.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
96 words
The catadioptric system of claim 8 having a design form wherein said first surface has a negative radius of curvature of approximately 1.897 times the focal length of said system, said second surface has a positive radius of curvature of approximately 3.607 times said focal length, said third surface has a negative radius of curvature of approximately 1.825 times said focal length, said first lens element having a thickness along said axis of approximately 0.025 times said focal length, said second lens element have a thickness along said axis of approximately 0.040 times said focal length.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
67 words
The catadioptric system of claim 5 wherein said first lens element is made of an optical material having a refractive index of approximately 1.49 and an Abbe number of approximately 81.40 at a base wavelength of 0.546 micrometers, and said second lens element is made of an optical material having a refractive index of approximately 1.70 and an Abbe number of approximately 55.18 at said base wavelength.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
96 words
The catadioptric system of claim 10 having a design form wherein said first surface has a negative radius of curvature of approximately 0.753 times the focal length of said system, said second surface has a negative radius of curvature of approximately 7.400 times said focal length, said third surface has a negative radius of curvature of approximately 1.536 times said focal length, said first lens element having a thickness along said axis of approximately 0.042 times said focal length, said second lens element having a thickness along said axis of approximately 0.066 times said focal length.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
67 words
The catadioptric system of claim 4 comprising a first lens element and a second lens element, said first and second lens elements being spaced apart from each other to define first, second, third and fourth surfaces, said first lens element being bounded by said first and second surfaces, said second lens element being bounded by said third and fourth surfaces, said fourth surface having said reflective coating.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
67 words
The catadioptric system of claim 12 wherein said first lens element is made of an optical material having a refractive index of approximately 1.53 and an Abbe number of approximately 76.57 at a base wavelength of 0.546 micrometers, and said second lens element is made of an optical material having a refractive index of approximately 1.65 and an Abbe number of approximately 58.15 at said base wavelength.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
133 words
The catadioptric system of claim 13 having a design form wherein said first surface has a negative radius of curvature of approximately 0.775 times the focal length of said system, said second surface has a positive radius of curvature of approximately 3.799 times said focal length, said third surface has a positive radius of curvature of approximately 4.568 times said focal length, said fourth surface has a negative radius of curvature of approximately 1.501 times said focal length, said first lens element having a thickness along said axis of approximately 0.040 times said focal length, said second lens element being separated from said first lens element along said axis by approximately 0.007 times said focal length, said second lens element having a thickness along said axis of approximately 0.061 times said focal length.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
67 words
The catadioptric system of claim 12 wherein said first lens element is made of an optical material having a refractive index of approximately 1.46 and an Abbe number of approximately 90.32 at a base wavelength of 0.546 micrometers, and said second lens element is made of an optical material having a refractive index of approximately 1.55 and an Abbe number of approximately 62.60 at said base wavelength.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
133 words
The catadioptric system of claim 15 having a design form wherein said first surface has a negative radius of curvature of approximately 0.736 times the focal length of said system, said second surface has a positive radius of curvature of approximately 8.012 times said focal length, said third surface has a positive radius of curvature of approximately 8.273 times said focal length, said fourth surface has a negative radius of curvature of approximately 1.476 times said focal length, said first lens element having a thickness along said axis of approximately 0.036 times said focal length, said second lens element being separated from said first lens element along said axis by approximately 0.004 times said focal length, said second lens element having a thickness along said axis of approximately 0.057 times said focal length.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
67 words
The catadioptric system of claim 12 wherein said first lens element is made of an optical material having a refractive index of approximately 1.46 and an Abbe number of approximately 90.32 at a base wavelength of 0.546 micrometers, and said second lens element is made of an optical material having a refractive index of approximately 1.70 and an Abbe number of approximately 55.25 at said base wavelength.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
133 words
The catadioptric system of claim 17 having a design form wherein said first surface has a negative radius of curvature of approximately 0.661 times the focal length of said system, said second surface has a negative radius of curvature of approximately 2.254 times said focal length, said third surface has a negative radius of curvature of approximately 3.628 times said focal length, said fourth surface has a negative radius of curvature of approximately 1.519 times said focal length, said first lens element having a thickness along said axis of approximately 0.029 times said focal length, said second lens element being separated from said first lens element along said axis by approximately 0.010 times said focal length, said second lens element having a thickness along said axis of approximately 0.054 times said focal length.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
83 words
A catadioptric optical system color-corrected at five wavelengths, said system comprising a plurality of refractive elements, said refractive elements being made from only two different optical materials, namely, Hoya FCD10 glass and Hoya FC3 glass, at least one of said refractive elements being made of Hoya FCD10 glass and at least one other of said refractive elements being made of Hoya FC3 glass, said refractive elements coacting with each other so as to achieve color correction at said five wavelengths for said system.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
83 words
A catadioptric optical system color-corrected at five wavelengths, said system comprising a plurality of refractive elements, said refractive elements being made from only two different optical materials, namely, Hoya FCD10 glass and Hoya FC3 glass, at least one of said refractive elements being made of Hoya FCD10 glass and at least one other of said refractive elements being made of Hoya FC3 glass, said refractive elements coacting with each other so as to achieve color correction at said five wavelengths for said system.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
80 words
A catadioptric optical system color-corrected at four wavelengths, said system comprising a plurality of refractive elements, said refractive elements being made from only two different optical materials, namely, Hoya BAF11 glass and Hoya FL6 glass, at least one of said refractive elements being made of Hoya BAF11 glass and at least one other of said refractive elements being made of Hoya FL6 glass, said refractive elements coacting with each other so as to achieve color correction at said four wavelengths.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
80 words
A catadioptric optical system color-corrected at four wavelengths, said system comprising a plurality of refractive elements, said refractive elements being made from only two different optical materials, namely, Hoya BAF11 glass and Hoya FL6 glass, at least one of said refractive elements being made of Hoya BAF11 glass and at least one other of said refractive elements being made of Hoya FL6 glass, said refractive elements coacting with each other so as to achieve color correction at said four wavelengths.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
80 words
A catadioptric optical system color-corrected at four wavelengths, said system comprising a plurality of refractive elements, said refractive elements being made from only two different optical materials, namely, Corning-France 486817 glass and Corning-France 697554 glass, at least one of said refractive elements being made of Corning-France 486817 glass and at least one other of said refractive elements being made of Corning-France 697554 glass, said refractive elements coacting with each other so as to achieve color correction at said four wavelengths.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
80 words
A catadioptric optical system color-corrected at four wavelengths, said system comprising a plurality of refractive elements, said refractive elements being made from only two different optical materials, namely, Corning-France 486817 glass and Corning-France 697554 glass, at least one of said refractive elements being made of Corning-France 486817 glass and at least one other of said refractive elements being made of Corning-France 697554 glass, said refractive elements coacting with each other so as to achieve color correction at said four wavelengths.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
80 words
A catadioptric optical system color-corrected at five wavelengths, said system comprising a plurality of refractive elements, said refractive elements being made from only two different optical materials, namely, Schott PK51 glass and Hoya LAC7 glass, at least one of said refractive elements being made of Schott PK51 glass and at least one other of said refractive elements being made of Hoya LAC7 glass, said refractive elements coacting with each other so as to achieve color correction at said five wavelengths.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
80 words
A catadioptric optical system color-corrected at five wavelengths, said system comprising a plurality of refractive elements, said refractive elements being made from only two different optical materials, namely, Schott PK51 glass and Hoya LAC7 glass, at least one of said refractive elements being made of Schott PK51 glass and at least one other of said refractive elements being made of Hoya LAC7 glass, said refractive elements coacting with each other so as to achieve color correction at said five wavelengths.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
18 words
The catadioptric optical system of claim 22, said system comprising two lens elements, said lens elements being air-spaced.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
80 words
A catadioptric optical system color-corrected at five wavelengths, said system comprising a plurality of refractive elements, said refractive elements being made from only two different optical materials, namely, Hoya FCD10 glass and Ohara PSK1 glass, at least one of said refractive elements being made of Hoya FCD10 glass and at least one other of said refractive elements being made of Ohara PSK1 glass, said refractive elements coacting with each other so as to achieve color correction at said five wavelengths.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
80 words
A catadioptric optical system color-corrected at five wavelengths, said system comprising a plurality of refractive elements, said refractive elements being made from only two different optical materials, namely, Hoya FCD10 glass and Ohara PSK1 glass, at least one of said refractive elements being made of Hoya FCD10 glass and at least one other of said refractive elements being made of Ohara PSK1 glass, said refractive elements coacting with each other so as to achieve color correction at said five wavelengths.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
18 words
The catadioptric optical system of claim 24, said system comprising two lens elements, said lens elements being air-spaced.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
80 words
A catadioptric optical system color-corrected at four wavelengths, said system comprising a plurality of refractive elements, said refractive elements being made from only two different optical materials, namely, Hoya FCD10 glass and Hoya LAC14 glass, at least one of said refractive elements being made of Hoya FCD10 glass and at least one other of said refractive elements being made of Hoya LAC14 glass, said refractive elements coacting with each other so as to achieve color correction at said four wavelengths.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
80 words
A catadioptric optical system color-corrected at four wavelengths, said system comprising a plurality of refractive elements, said refractive elements being made from only two different optical materials, namely, Hoya FCD10 glass and Hoya LAC14 glass, at least one of said refractive elements being made of Hoya FCD10 glass and at least one other of said refractive elements being made of Hoya LAC14 glass, said refractive elements coacting with each other so as to achieve color correction at said four wavelengths.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
18 words
The catadioptric optical system of claim 26, said system comprising two lens elements, said lens elements being air-spaced.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3016798A
Cited
US3110752A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-12-13 | 1992-06-13 | 1992-12-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-12-13 | 1996-06-13 | 1996-12-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-12-13 | 2000-06-13 | 2000-12-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |