Wide-Field Optical Field Expanding Element Docket: UAH-P-14006 Technology Current sensor configurations do not provide a complete hemispherical field-of-view (FOV) specification, and the development of a hemispheric imaging system with an increased FOV is essential. Researchers at UAH have developed an optical element to expand the FOV, purely as an additional, external enhancement of an existing imager. As an example, a wide-field optical field expanding element design was produced which expands the FOV from a full 60 degrees to over 140 degrees. This design form can be modified by using different refractive materials and changing the radii, which alters the field magnification and the structure of the distortion. A second wide-field optical field expanding element was designed as an example; an element that would be employed as an edge contact element where the space between could be sealed with air, dry nitrogen, or other gasses, or could have a channel at the edge to allow for the gas in the space to flow through. This design provides over 180 degrees of field magnification. By making the optical surfaces non-spherical, more complex distortion, aberration, and chromatic control can be manipulated. Similarly, diffractive structures on the surface can provide additional chromatic control. Applications Dragonfly or other sensor configurations Smartphone device camera Military Advantages Expands camera FOV Non-spherical optical surfaces Design form can be modified, altering the field magnification and structure of distortion User friendly Status State of Development: Proof of concept Licensing Status: Available for licensing Patent Status: Patented