A diopter adjustment mechanism comprises a scope tube with a first female thread and a second female thread. The first female thread has a first pitch and is disposed on the scope tube forming a spiral thread and lands between the spiral threads. The second female thread has a second pitch and is disposed on the lands of the first female thread. A jam nut has a male thread corresponding to and engaging the second female thread.

A diopter adjustment mechanism comprises a scope tube with a first female thread and a second female thread. The first female thread has a first pitch and is disposed on the scope tube forming a spiral thread and lands between the spiral threads. The second female thread has a second pitch and is disposed on the lands of the first female thread. A jam nut has a male thread corresponding to and engaging the second female thread.

A freeform surface off-axial three-mirror imaging system is provided. The freeform surface off-axial three-mirror imaging system comprises a primary mirror, a secondary mirror, and a compensating mirror. The primary mirror, the secondary mirror, and the compensating mirror are located adjacent and spaced away from each other. A surface shape of each of the primary mirror and the secondary mirror is a quadric surface. The primary mirror is used as an aperture stop. A surface shape of the compensating mirror is a freeform surface. A light emitted from a light source is reflected by the primary mirror, the secondary mirror, and the compensating mirror to form an image on an image plane.

An apparatus and method of manufacturing a sighting device mountable to a gun to assist a shooter in aiming at a target. The apparatus comprises an optical element and a light source which provide feedback to the user regarding alignment with a target. The alignment aid optical element is a ring of transparent material with a user-facing, contoured surface with an inner and outer edge. The contoured surface is coated with a reflective material that reflects a narrow band of light wavelengths. The apparatus further comprises a light source coupled to a mount located at a focal point of the lens wherein the emission of light from the light source faces the lens. The wavelengths emitted from the light source correspond to those of the coatings on the lens.

An apparatus and method of manufacturing a sighting device mountable to a gun to assist a shooter in aiming at a target. The apparatus comprises an optical element and a light source which provide feedback to the user regarding alignment with a target. The alignment aid optical element is a ring of transparent material with a user-facing, contoured surface with an inner and outer edge. The contoured surface is coated with a reflective material that reflects a narrow band of light wavelengths. The apparatus further comprises a light source coupled to a mount located at a focal point of the lens wherein the emission of light from the light source faces the lens. The wavelengths emitted from the light source correspond to those of the coatings on the lens.

Optical sensors and particularly gimbaled optical sensors transmit an active signal at a given wavelength(s) and receive passive signals over a range of wavelengths and the active signal in a common aperture. The sensor includes a Tx/Rx Aperture Sharing Element (ASE) configured with an annular region that couples an active signal having a ring-shaped energy distribution to the telescope for transmission and a center region that couples the passive emissions and the returned active signal to the detector. A beam shaping element such as an Axicon lens, LCWG, Risley Prism, Unstable Optical Resonator or MEMS MMA may be used to form or trace the ring-shaped active signal onto the annular region of the ASE. A focusing optic may be used to reduce the divergence of the active signal so that it is collimated or slightly converging when transmitted such that the returned active signal approximates a spot. A filter wheel may be positioned behind the ASE to present separate passive and active images to the detector. These optical sensors may, for example, be used with guided munitions or autonomous vehicles.

A catadioptric telescope is a modified version of a conventional Maksutov-Cassegrain optical telescope. In accordance with the invention, the reflecting surfaces of the primary mirror and the secondary spot mirror are on the second surfaces of the primary mirror and correcting lens, respectively. In further accordance with the invention, two of these telescopes can be joined together to form a binocular telescope array. The array can be easily customized to suit different remote sensing/satellite applications.

A versatile space telescope for quantum key distribution and adapted for interfacing with a spacecraft and an instrument module. The telescope includes diamond turned aluminum mirrors at its entrance and exit, adjacent the spacecraft and instrument module, respectively.

A versatile space telescope for quantum key distribution and adapted for interfacing with a spacecraft and an instrument module. The telescope includes diamond turned aluminum mirrors at its entrance and exit, adjacent the spacecraft and instrument module, respectively.

Disclosed is a novel assembly and method that enables a user to collimate a focused Cassegrain telescope. The assembly, having a secondary mirror and support baffle, comprising an axle, a bearing, and hub, enables a user to precisely rotate or freely spin a Cassegrain telescope's secondary mirror about its optical axis. Incident to freely spinning the telescope's secondary mirror, the user may peer into the telescope's eyepiece and observe a focused image that may wobble, or remain stable, dependent upon how well the telescope's mirrors are aligned. Further, the assembly's eyepiece, comprising a reticle design, enables the observer to measure the magnitude and direction of image shift incident to the secondary mirror spinning. Lastly, the assembly, comprising a radially marked collimating faceplate, and radially marked collimating knob screws, enables a user to make specific adjustments to the telescope's secondary mirror, compensating for the observed image shift, precisely collimating the telescope.