Advanced IR Optical Assemblies For UAVs And Drones Meeting SWaP Constraints

UAVs and drones are being designed with increasingly advanced infrared imaging systems, containing detectors that are larger in size and smaller in pixel size, which present challenges for UAV optics. The challenge falls on optical manufacturers to design and produce optics with a crisp, clean image over the entire zoom range, and an MTF close to the diffraction limit, while meeting strict SWaP requirements. This application note discusses how advanced IR optical assemblies can be used for UAVs and drones that must meet SWaP constraints.