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Design of compact wide-field LWIR optics using a single-layer diffractive optical element

M. FAROOQ1, M. H. ASGHAR2, M. SALEEM3,* , Z. IQBAL1

Affiliation

  1. Riphah International University Islamabad, Pakistan
  2. National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
  3. Government Graduate College of Science, Wahdat Road, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Visual Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) navigation requires high-resolution cameras with a wide field of view (WFOV) to ensure effective feature matching in acquired imagery. Designing WFOV optics for large-array Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) sensors presents unique challenges in achieving optimal optical performance using a minimal number of optical components and without relying on active athermalization. This article presents the design of an 84° × 67° field of view (FOV) optical system for a 1280 × 1024 LWIR microbolometer, achieving a modulation transfer function (MTF) of ≥ 0.6 at 20 lp/mm while maintaining barrel distortion below 20%. The design incorporates only three lenses, including a single-layer diffractive optical element (DOE), offering a low-SWaP solution with high contrast and distortion control.

Keywords

Optical design, Diffractive optical elements, Wide field of view, LWIR optics, UAV navigation.

Citation

M. FAROOQ, M. H. ASGHAR, M. SALEEM, Z. IQBAL, Design of compact wide-field LWIR optics using a single-layer diffractive optical element, Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials - Rapid Communications, 20, 5-6, May-June 2026, pp.225-235 (2026).

Submitted at: Oct. 12, 2025

Accepted at: June 2, 2026