MICROCARD : a micro-camera based on a circular diffraction grating for MWIR and LWIR imagery

Circular diffraction gratings (also called diffractive axicons) are optical components producing achromatic non-diffracting beams. They thus produce a focal line rather than a focal point for classical lenses. We have recently shown in the visible spectral range that this property can be used to design a simple imaging system with a long depth of focus and a linear variable zoom by using and translating a diffractive axicon as the only component. We have then adapted this principle for the mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) spectral range and the long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) spectral range. A LWIR low-cost micro-camera, called MICROCARD, has been designed and realized. First images from this camera will be shown. Moreover a way to design a compact MWIR micro-camera with moveable parts integrated directly into the cryostat will be presented.