US 12,111,511 B2
Athermal optical frameworks
Joseph N. Paranto, Albuquerque, NM (US); Michael E. Meline, Albuquerque, NM (US); Devin M. J. Todd, Orlando, FL (US); Matthew Flint Kepler, Austin, TX (US); and Martin William Slack, Edgewood, NM (US)
Assigned to Applied Research Associates, Inc., Albuquerque, NM (US)
Filed by Applied Research Associates, Inc., Albuquerque, NM (US)
Filed on May 20, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/325,982.
Prior Publication US 2022/0373763 A1, Nov. 24, 2022
Int. Cl. G02B 7/02 (2021.01); G02B 7/00 (2021.01); H04N 23/55 (2023.01)
CPC G02B 7/028 (2013.01) [G02B 7/021 (2013.01); H04N 23/55 (2023.01); G02B 7/008 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An optical assembly comprising:
a first lens and a second lens,
wherein the first lens and the second lens are aligned via a framework;
said framework comprising a first framework portion, a second framework portion, and a third framework portion;
said first framework portion comprising a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion;
said second framework portion comprising a second material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion,
said third framework portion comprising a third material distinct from the first material and the second material and having a third coefficient of thermal expansion,
wherein the second coefficient of thermal expansion and the third coefficient of thermal expansion are greater than the first coefficient of thermal expansion,
wherein said first framework portion and said second framework portion are arranged such that a first thermal expansion of the first framework portion in a first direction is offset by a second thermal expansion of the second framework portion in a second direction opposite from the first direction.