Optical window design for MWIR camera

One important element in camera optical systems is the optical window because it serves as an element in the optical system to provide a clear aperture to transmit the desired radiation as well as to keep both environments separate and bear the atmospheric differences such as temperature and pressure. In designing the window there are several things to note besides the design of the optomechanical system such as window installation and structural considerations, as well as the impact of optical performance degradation due to the installation of this window. This paper discusses some important considerations for the design of optical windows with special specifications for medium wave infrared (MWIR) optical systems such as the material used, the minimum thickness associated with the pressure rating, the distance from the window to the aperture stop or the pupil as this is important when designing for degradation the wavefront is minimal and optimized to get a design whose effect on the optical degradation is very small. (paper)