BACKGROUND

These teachings relate generally to afocal optical systems, and, more particularly, to afocal optical systems that can be configured to have different magnifications, including unity magnification, and which are capable of being cascaded to produce any number of magnifications.

In many optical imaging systems, it is often desirable to provide multiple angular resolutions. For example, consider some applications of imaging sensors, in which it is desirable to provide a wide field of view imaging mode with coarse resolution to monitor large areas, but also provide the capability to provide a narrower field of view mode with high resolution imaging mode to gather more detail on potential targets. Consider also some applications of imaging sensors, in which it is desirable to maintain similar resolution on potential targets, but at various distances. This capability can sometimes complicate the design of optical systems as well as introduce mechanical movements that require substantial precision and accuracy, such as, for example, zoom optical systems.

There is a need for systems that provide an effective method to provide these capability.

SUMMARY

The embodiments of the configurable afocal optical system of these teachings provide an effective method to provide the above described capability.

For a better understanding of the present teachings, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and detailed description and its scope will be pointed out in the appended claims.

