Third generation infrared optics

The advancement from 2nd Gen FLIR to 3rd Gen FLIR provides a significant improvement in capability, but at the cost of increased optical complexity. It is not feasible to utilize optics from previous generations image adequately with a 3rd Gen FLIR engine. Incorporating new technologies such as dual f/number dewars and dual band detectors results in very different optical design requirements from previous generations. Lack of broadband optical materials and coatings adds further complexity to the 3rd Gen optical problem. This paper examines the new complexities that are being introduced by 3rd Gen, some of the generic approaches that are necessary, and areas where more work is required.