Designing and producing optics for use in space is a highly specialized area where expertise and experience are critical.
One of the biggest advantages of using a zoom lens is that it enables the ability to adjust focal lengths without changing lens. A zoom lens provides a range of variable focal lengths that can be adjusted using the zoom ring on the lens.
Because of this essential versatility zoom lenses are complex with many close tolerance components sliding and rotating within each other. Normally this is acceptable under regular conditions, but at extremely low, and high, temperatures or in the vacuum of space producing these movements presents a challenge.
For the components of a zoom lens to move smoothly, typically grease must be used. Modern synthetic greases today are much better at not stiffening in cold environments or melting and running when hot. There are also special greases specifically designed for use in the vacuum of space, however these greases tend to be thick and not acceptable for the fine mechanics found in zoom lenses.
To address this issue, Resolve Optics has developed an optically corrected zoom lens. This new design concept reduces the moving parts of a zoom lens to just a single push/pull movement. This innovation eliminates the need for complex cams and tubes in tubes that are required in traditional zoom lenses. Another positive aspect is that the optically corrected zoom lens design also maintains focus and resolution throughout its zoom range.
While the optically corrected zoom lens design has limitations such as the zoom range being reduced to approximately 4x, and they do not cope with very wide angles, it’s encouraging as it shows real promise for use in spaceborne applications.
Additional information from a previously published article.