Diffraction Limited Optics Sanders Associates Optical Collimator Camera Tester

Diffraction Limited Optics Sanders Associates Optical Collimator Camera Tester

This is a benchtop optical collimator manufactured by Diffraction Limited Optics, a division of Sanders Associates Inc. (later consolidated by BAE Systems Electronics & Integrated Solutions). Optical collimators of this type are precision instruments used to project a reticle or resolution test chart at an effectively infinite focal distance, allowing cameras, lenses, and optical systems to be tested, calibrated, and focused under controlled conditions. The unit is built into a compact black anodized aluminum housing with a large circular front lens port, a calibrated focus/diopter adjustment wheel (scale approximately –40 to +2), top ventilation grille, a 3-pin circular lamp connector, and a slide-in reticle holder.

Specifications & What's Included

• Brand: Diffraction Limited Optics, A Division of Sanders Associates Inc.
• Type: Optical Collimator / Camera Lens Test Projector
• Housing: Compact black anodized aluminum, benchtop form factor
• Front optical port: Large circular lens mount with internal optical element
• Focus adjustment: Calibrated knurled wheel with engraved scale (approx. –40 to 0 to +2 range)
• Locking knob: Knurled locking/clamping thumbwheel on focus axis
• Reticle/test chart holder: Slide-in anodized frame with resolution test chart (grid pattern reticle) — included
• Lamp connector: 3-pin circular electrical connector for internal lamp power
• Ventilation: Finned aluminum grille on top housing (indicates internal illumination lamp)
• Internal optical element: Visible through top grille — appears to be a collimating or condenser lens
• Mounting: Threaded circular mounting foot/port on top surface; access hatch on top with internal slot
• Additional side port: Smaller circular port on left side of front face
• Sold as-is for parts or repair — not tested or verified functional

Applications

Optical collimators were standard instruments in camera manufacturing, military optics, and aerospace optical system development — exactly the kind of work Sanders Associates Inc. was known for as a major defense electronics and electro-optical systems contractor. This type of instrument is used to simulate an infinitely distant target for testing and calibrating camera lenses, rangefinders, rifle scopes, binoculars, night-vision systems, and other imaging optics. The reticle or resolution test chart is projected through the collimating lens so that a camera or sighting system under test can be focused and aligned as if viewing a real distant scene. Sanders Associates was a New Hampshire-based defense contractor founded in 1951, best known for electronic warfare and electro-optical systems; the company was acquired by Lockheed Martin and later its electronics divisions folded into BAE Systems. Equipment of this type dates from the Cold War and post-Cold War era of U.S. defense optical development. Today, collimators of this design remain useful in legacy optical system maintenance, optics lab work, camera repair, and precision lens calibration on an optical bench.