Infrared optical system

Abstract

An optical arrangement includes an infrared imaging system operating in conjunction with a first beam having wavelengths less than 15 microns, and a coherent infrared source generating a second beam having wavelengths shorter than the first beam wavelengths. Also provided is an objective lens arrangement including an objective lens having an aperture formed in one side of the objective lens. A partially reflective member is located between the objective lens arrangement, and the imaging system and infrared source. A T.V. camera is provided for receiving an image through the objective lens aperture. The first beam is directed to the imaging system from a region being imaged, and the second beam is directed from the infrared source to the region being imaged. The respective beams are directed to the partially reflective member so as to cause the respective beams to pass through the objective lens along substantially the same optical path as each other.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.