To build a long-wave infrared catadioptric optical system for deep space low-temperature target detection with a lightweight and wide field of view, this work conducted a study that encompasses a local cooling optical system, topology optimization-based metal mirror design, and additive manufacturing. First, a compact catadioptric optical system with local cooling was designed. This system features a 55 mm aperture, a 110 mm focal length, and a 4-degree by 4-degree field of view. Secondly, we applied the principles of topology optimization to design the primary mirror assembly, the secondary mirror assembly, and the connecting baffle. The third and fourth modes achieved a resonance frequency of 1213.7 Hz. Then, we manufactured the mirror assemblies using additive manufacturing and single-point diamond turning, followed by the centering assembly method to complete the optical assembly. Lastly, we conducted performance testing on the system, with the test results revealing that the modulation transfer function (MTF) curves of the optical system reached the diffraction limit across the entire field of view. Remarkably, the system’s weight was reduced to a mere 96.04 g. The use of additive manufacturing proves to be an effective means of enhancing optical system performance.

In order to realize the compact layout of aerospace payloads, the design and manufacture of high-steepness lightweight aluminum alloy mirrors is a key technology to be explored. For high-steepness mirrors, the traditional method is to establish the initial thickness that satisfies the bending stiffness through finite element optimization iteration, which cannot achieve fast modeling and performance estimation. In this paper, firstly, the equivalent modeling method of the mirror with high steepness is proposed to achieve the equivalent of the elliptic mirror with a diameter of 410 × 310 mm and F# less than 0.7. Based on the mathematical model, topology shape optimization was used to build a highly lightweight mirror structure that could be quickly assembled, and the equivalent area–mass density of the mirror is less than 34 kg/mm2. Next, the rationality of design feasibility was verified by simulation analysis. Finally, by using single point diamond turning combined with post polishing process, the high-precision manufacturing of conventional aluminum alloy mirror was realized. The results show that the mirror shape accuracy is 1/10 λ (λ = 632.8 nm), and the surface roughness Ra is 3.342 nm. This research provides strong theoretical support and application prospects for the low-cost and rapid manufacturing of high-steepness lightweight aluminum alloy mirrors.

The predecessor of China Optics was China Optics and Applied Optics Digest, which was founded in 1985. At that time, it was the only retrieval journal in the field of optics in China. At the end of 2008, China Optics and Applied Optics Digest was renamed 《中国光学》的前身是1985年创办的《中国光学与应用光学文摘》，当时是国内光学领域唯一的检索刊物。2008年底《中国光学与应用光学文摘》转型更名为《中国光学与应用光学》期刊，刊载内容突破了文摘的限制，正式成为学术刊物。

Spatial multispectral imaging technology can selectively image in specific spectral bands. While the filter wheel is a core component for multi spectral selection. At present, there are relatively few types of spectral bands for filter wheels under limited space/weight constraints. Based on this issue, this article creatively proposes a design method for double-layer or even multi-layer filter wheels driven by a single motor and differential gear, which can achieve a large number of spectral segment combinations with a compact layout. The double-layer filter wheel structure is selected for design, analysis, and testing. The analysis and testing results prove the reliability and application value of the double-layer filter wheel mechanism driven by single motor. The research content of this article has created a new design concept for the multispectral imaging filter wheel mechanism, which can provide reference and inspiration for the layout schemes of double-layer or even multi-layer filter wheels.

Spatial multispectral imaging technology can selectively image in specific spectral bands. While the filter wheel is a core component for multi spectral selection. At present, there are relatively few types of spectral bands for filter wheels under limited space/weight constraints. Based on this issue, this article creatively proposes a design method for double-layer or even multi-layer filter wheels driven by a single motor and differential gear, which can achieve a large number of spectral segment combinations with a compact layout. The double-layer filter wheel structure is selected for design, analysis, and testing. The analysis and testing results prove the reliability and application value of the double-layer filter wheel mechanism driven by single motor. The research content of this article has created a new design concept for the multispectral imaging filter wheel mechanism, which can provide reference and inspiration for the layout schemes of double-layer or even multi-layer filter wheels.