Designing a high-performance eyepiece for a 0.97-inch OLED microdisplay
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54939/1859-1043.j.mst.106.2025.113-120Keywords:
Thermal sight; Eyepiece; OLED microdisplay; Optical design; MTF; Zemax.Abstract
The eyepiece is an essential component in optical equipment such as binoculars and optical sights; however, its design has received less research attention compared to objective lenses. In thermal imaging sights, images are displayed on a microdisplay and viewed through the eyepiece. OLED microdisplays, known for their high image quality, durability, reasonable cost, and common diagonal sizes (0.5, 0.6, and 0.97 inches), are increasingly adopted in both research and commercial optical systems. This paper presents a design methodology for an eyepiece tailored to a 0.97-inch microdisplay used in thermal imaging sights. Optical evaluation based on MTF, chromatic aberration, field curvature, and distortion demonstrates that the eyepiece meets the necessary requirements for viewing large-size microdisplays. The design is suitable for fabrication and integration into thermal sighting systems.
References
[1]. R. N. Singh. "Thermal Imaging Technology: Design and Applications", Orient Blackswan, (2009).
[2]. N. N. Son et al. "Developing computational and experimental models of heat transfer through multi-layered textile structures", Comm. Phys., 34(4), (2024).
[3]. A. Roglski. "Infrared Detectors, An Overview", Infrared Physics & Technology, 43, p. 187–210, (2002).
[4]. D. Peric et al. "Thermal Imager Range: Predictions, Expectations and Reality", Sensors, 19(15), 3313, (2019).
[5]. J. Berela, M. Kastek. "Measurement and Analysis of the Parameters of Modern Long-Range Thermal Imaging Cameras", Sensors, 21(17), 5700, (2021).
[6]. Q. L. Zhao, Z. Q. Wang, T. G. Liu. "Design of optical system for head-mounted micro-display", Optik, 118(1), p. 29–33, (2007).
[7]. J. P. Rolland, F. Biocca, F. Hamza-Lup, Y. Ha, R. Martins. "Development of Head-Mounted Projection Displays for Distributed, Collaborative, Augmented Reality Applications", Presence, 14(5), p. 528–549, (2005).
[8]. R. E. Fischer, B. Tadic-Galeb, P. R. Yoder. "Optical System Design", 2nd Ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, (2008).
[9]. G. M. Koretsky, J. F. Nicoll, M. S. Taylor. "A Tutorial on Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Theory and System", Institute for Defence Analysis, IDA Document D-4642, (2013).
[10]. P. D. Quy. "Calculation and design of thermal objective lens using aspherical lens for handheld observation devices", Journal of Military Science and Technology, 76, p. 127–136, (2021).
[11]. N. Q. Hiep. "Nghiên cứu thiết kế hệ thống quang học của ống kính ảnh nhiệt có tiêu cự thay đổi nhảy bậc", Journal of Science and Technique, 18.02, p. 46–56, (2023) (in Vietnamese).
[12]. Qiu-Ling Zhao et al. "Design of optical system for head-mounted micro-display", Optik, 118(1), p. 29–33, (2007).
[13]. Olightek. "Product detail", https://www.olightek.com/products_detail/1.html
[14]. "ZEMAX® Optical Design Program User's Manual", (2011).
[15]. Родионов С.А. "Основы оптики. Конспект лекций", СПб: СПб ГИТМО(ТУ), 167с, (2000).
[16]. L. H. Hai. "Quang sai của hệ thống quang học", Military Technical Academy Publishing House, (2012) (in Vietnamese).
[17]. Edmund Optics. "28 mm EFL Mounted RKE Precision Eyepiece", https://www.edmund-optics.com.sg/p/28mm-efl-mounted-rke-precision-eyepiece/
