Athermal design of a space camera using a single lens material over a wide temperature range

Catadioptric space cameras are widely used in space exploration, However, temperature variations can degrade their imaging performance. To address this issue, this paper presents an athermal design for a catadioptric space camera operating over a wide temperature range. Initially, the temperature effects on optical elements, mechanical structures, and other components were analyzed, and convenient methods for thermal aberration compensation are summarized. Subsequently, taking a camera with a spectral range of 400–1000 nm, a focal length of 525 mm, and an F-number of 3.5 as the design case, an athermal solution is developed. By selecting appropriate materials for the mirror substrates and support structures, and using fused silica as the single lens material to correct aberrations, the optical system maintains stable performance in space environments. Final simulation results confirm that the optimized camera maintains a Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) value above 0.4 at 77 lp/mm (Nyquist frequency) over a temperature range of –60°C to 150°C. The camera exhibits stable material properties, excellent imaging quality, and consistent performance under extreme temperatures. This design demonstrates significant potential for applications in space exploration and related fields.