Appropriate choice of optical materials and fabrication techniques enables common-aperture imaging systems that are extremely light and stable. Traditionally, infrared (IR) imaging systems often had to rely on multiple optical channels, each with a separate optical path, to cover the electromagnetic spectrum because of limitations on available material types and coating capabilities. More recently, systems consolidating two or more channels into a single channel, with a single optical path, have been developed. These use new optical ceramic materials with high optical transmission from visible to mid-IR. Materials with high transmission over a broad range of wavelengths are now commercially available; premier optical-component manufacturers can make these materials into aspheres, spheres, prisms, and domes for use in multispectral systems.
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