80-Degree Night Vision Goggle

GLC will perform a systematic study of the use of GRIN lenses in wide field of view night vision goggles. Gradient index optical materials have been shown to reduce the number of optical elements and the size and weight of the entire optical system for rifle scopes, camera objective lenses, binoculars and microscope objectives. Gradient index optical materials can provide power within a lens element and aberration correction similar to an aspheric surface. In addition, there is control of chromatic correction which cannot be achieved using aspheric elements. Non-rotationally symmetric and/or tapered gradients provide other unique properties which will be examined for the wide angle objective and eyepiece.