Dual field of view optical system

A method of building an optical imaging system configured to form at least two optical images in a common image plane, the method comprising:

• a. providing a primary optical path to enable the formation of a primary optical image at the common optical image plane, the primary optical path including at least one common optical element, at least one splitting or merging element, a primary channel aperture stop, and one or more optical elements unique to the primary optical path;
• b. providing at least one secondary optical path to enable the formation of at least one secondary optical image at the common optical image plane, the at least one secondary optical path including the at least one common optical element, the at least one splitting or merging element, at least one reflecting element, a secondary channel aperture stop, and one or more optical elements unique to the at least one secondary optical path;
• and
• c. providing a single image sensor at the common image plane, the single image sensor being configured to capture at least a part of the primary optical image and at least a part of the at least one secondary optical image.

A method for forming at least two optical images in a common image plane, the method comprising:

• a. forming, using a primary optical path, a primary optical image at the common optical image plane, the primary optical path including at least one common optical element, at least one splitting or merging element, a primary channel aperture stop, and one or more optical elements unique to the primary optical path;
• b. forming, using at least one secondary optical path, at least one secondary optical image at the common optical image plane, the at least one secondary optical path including the at least one common optical element, the at least one splitting or merging element, at least one reflecting element, a secondary channel aperture stop, and one or more optical elements unique to the at least one secondary optical path;
• and
• c. forming, using a single image sensor at the common image plane, at least one digital image file by capturing at least a part of the primary optical image and at least a part of the at least one secondary optical image.