UV zoom lens enables remote viewing of nuclear fuel assembly

To meet the challenges of this difficult application - the UV zoom lens was designed to optimally operate from 10-55ºC. Miniature motors were incorporated to allow accurate remote setting of both zoom and focus functions.

A filter slide was incorporated in the design enabling the lens to be switched between UV (270-350nm) and visible (400-700nm) without the need to refocus the lens. Using a telescopic focus the lens was able to image objects from 13m to infinity with optical correction for 10m of water. The lens achieved high image resolution with low distortion throughout the zoom range without refocusing (image tracking).

Top-siding adjustment was provided on the lens so that the motor cables could be conveniently positioned. A lockable C-mount was incorporated into the design to ensure that the lens would not come loose during operation.